MP hits out over 'cynical timing'

Mar 31 2010 By Hannah Williams, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

MP CHERYL Gillan has called for the public to have their say about controversial plans for a high-speed rail link for a longer period than the current consultation.

The member for Amersham and Chesham joined fellow MPs David Lidington (Aylesbury), Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield) and Paul Goodman (Wycombe) to question Transport Minister Sadiq Khan during a debate last Tuesday (March 30) in Westminster Hall on the issue which has sparked fury both among residents of the Chilterns and environmental groups.

Currently, homeowners who think they may be adversely affected by the proposed rail route through the Chilterns and who will not be subject to compulsory purchase, are being asked for their thoughts on the Department for Transport's 'exceptional hardship scheme'. It outlines criteria that must be met for a home to be sold to the Secretary of State.

Mrs Gillan said the consultation is less than the 12 weeks recommended by the government and takes place during the run-up to the General Election - during which time government departments cannot discuss any controversial future policy.

She said: "The minister and I are both elected members, and he knows as well as I do that members will be cut off during the election from asking the government questions.

"For members whose constituencies along the line of the route will be so badly affected, the timing of the proposals is cynical and callous."

Mr Lidington, whose constituency includes Great Missenden, said the preferred route and the secondary route were set to 'carve a swathe of destruction' through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

He said: "I believe that the route that the government has said it prefers will seriously and irreparably damage the quality of my constituents' lives and the landscape of the Chiltern Hills."

Mr Khan said the government has not yet taken any decision on whether the line should be built or what route it would take.

He said: "The route that HS2 Ltd has recommended would be straighter and faster than the other options, maximising its benefits for the country, but it also has a number of other advantages."