To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what date he expects to have paid all straightforward claims for compensation arising from compulsory acquisition of land for the Barnstaple bypass.

Full compensation has been paid in five cases. The remaining 73 cases will be completed and final payments made as soon as negotiations over the amount of compensation, and legal procedures, have been concluded.At least one advance payment of compensation has been made in over half these cases. Claims attract interest, at statutory rates, from the date of entry on to the land until payment is made.