asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to conclude his consideration of the claim by the Brookwood Lye action group for ex-gratia payments to cover costs incurred by it at the reopened public inquiry relating to land at Brookwood Lye, Woking; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that consideration of the action group's claim has been delayed. If the group would provide the information requested in the Department's letter of 3 February 1987 in respect of its costs at the abortive first inquiry, an offer will be made as soon as possible.