asked the Minister for the Environment the action which he proposes to take, if any, to provide for a more expeditious procedure for compulsory purchase of land by local authorities.

Any procedure for compulsory purchase of land must take account of constitutional requirements and must be designed to give adequate notice to persons affected, to ensure that they are dealt with fairly and to avoid, as far as possible, imposing unnecessary hardship. I have had the existing procedure examined and while, in view of the constraints which I have mentioned, it seems unlikely that the procedure can be altered substantially, it appears that some changes may help to provide a more expeditious procedure and I am having these aspects examined with a view to the formulation of proposals for legislation.

Would the Minister state the areas which are being examined by his Department?

Areas relating to procedure.

There is a traditional delay in the assessment and establishment of ownership in the legal department. Will more staff be made available to local authorities?

More staff will be sanctioned if the case is proved that they are required. The real delay is procedure. It is slow and cumbersome because landowners and individuals have rights.

They are the only ones who seem to have rights.

How does the Minister propose to speed up this procedure?

I am examining the matter.

Could the Minister give some indication as to when his review might be concluded?

Early next year.