Written question asked by David Rendel (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 1996. It was answered by John Watts (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 1996 on behalf of the Highways Agency.

Dept of Transport;Highways Agency

Question: What has been the total cost since 29th February to the sheriffs of enforcing eviction orders against protestors camped on the route of the Newbury bypass; and how much of this cost is expected to be recovered from the protestors who have been evicted. - Including text of letter from Lawrie Haynes of Highways Agency.

Answer: Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total cost since 29 February to the sheriffs of enforcing eviction orders against protestors camped on the route of the Newbury bypass; and how much of this cost is expected to be recovered from the protestors who have been evicted.[21270] Mr. Watts: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Rendel, dated 19 March 1996: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary question about the costs incurred by the Sheriff in evicting protestors from the route of the Newbury Bypass. No figures are yet available but the costs are not expected to be recovered from protestors. Costs orders awarded by the courts against defendants only cover the legal expense of bringing the action to court, not the Sheriff's costs.

Secondary information