To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport (1) if he will require the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to meet residents in Walsall North constituency who are adversely affected by the M6 motorway work on the site of the work, as requested by the hon. Member for Walsall North; (309731)

The Chief Executive of the Highways Agency has offered to meet the hon. Member and representatives of local residents at the Agency's offices, or at the construction site offices, where he believes a constructive discussion can be held to agree what, if any, further action by the Highways Agency's contractor is needed to mitigate the disturbance to residents.

The Chief Executive has personally investigated complaints by the hon. Member's constituents and ensured that any shortcomings were rectified. This includes asking the contractor's main board director to ensure that he delivers a plan for improving neighbour relations.

The Chief Executive has assured me on several occasions that he is willing to meet with any Member of this House to discuss particular matters affecting constituents, and has done this with several hon. Members in the past.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions (a) Ministers in his Department and (b) officials in the Secretary of State's private office have had with the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency on the adverse effects on residents of work carried out on the M6 motorway in Walsall North constituency; and if he will make a statement. (310071)

The Secretary of State for Transport and I have regular meetings with the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to discuss all aspects of the Agency's business, including the concerns of residents affected by the scheme being carried out on the M6 motorway in the Walsall, North constituency.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport (1) for what reasons residents in Walsall North constituency likely to be adversely affected by current work authorised by the Highways Agency on the M6 motorway were not directly informed of the work planned by the Agency; and if he will instruct the Highways Agency directly to notify those likely to be adversely affected by its planned work in all areas in addition to its practice of placing advertisements in the press; (310072)

The Highways Agency has established procedures in place for notifying any local residents or businesses likely to be affected by planned works, as well as placing advertisements in the local press. These can include letter drops, locally held exhibitions and press-releases prior to the commencement of works. In addition, hon. Members, within whose constituencies work is due to take place are given advance warning of the start of works. Local councillors are also routinely advised.

In schemes where work takes place entirely within the existing highway boundary, as is the case with the current M6 motorway works in the Walsall, North constituency, there is no obligation upon the Highways Agency to give such additional publicity. However, in view of the close proximity of residents in this case, arrangements were made within the contract for a site-liaison officer to be appointed to regularly communicate with local residents about the progress of the scheme.

In addition, following representations made by residents' groups, regarding works on the M6 in the Walsall, North constituency further measures have been put in place to keep residents informed. These include regular newsletters and visits by the site-liaison officer to affected residents.

With regard to the notification of Members whose constituency is adversely affected by major work, it is the Highways Agency's standing practice to give such notification. In the case of this project, my hon. Friend was included in the original notification to MPs and MEPs, sent on 10 September 2008, prior to the commencement of the works.