asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now take steps to give compensation to all those whose properties are injuriously affected by new public development.

We shall decide what steps to take when we have completed the comprehensive review we have in hand of the compensation code.

Will the hon. Gentleman introduce compensation as quickly as possible for those who surfer financial loss because of the proximity of new roads such as the B road being built in North Staffordshire? Is he aware that there is growing concern about this problem?

I am very anxious to put our proposals before the House as quickly as possible. It is a complex subject and there are large financial issues involved, but we will do our best to put it before the House at an early date.