§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications by local authorities for loan sanction to buy prefabricated homes constructed by Discus of Skipton his Department has so far received; which authorities have applied; how many homes each authority has proposed to buy and at what cost; and if he is satisfied with the financial status of the firm and its ability to obtain "VRIs" to enable the homes, which count as large loads, to be transported from Skipton to the appropriate local authorities.
§ Mr. FreesonFour applications have been made to my Department, three from York for 100 units in the sum of £611,668 and one from Stockport for six units in the sum of £40,246, all of which have been approved. In line with normal commercial practice, it is for the authorities concerned to satisfy themselves of the financial standing of any contractor. The question of VRIs is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.