§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet decided the future of Government support for the National Building Agency.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Government has concluded that the work of the National Building Agency can be performed adequately by other bodies, and that the agency should no longer be sponsored by the Government. I have written to the chairman of the agency to tell him of this and to suggest that the agency should move as fast as practicable to wind itself up, and resolve to do so by no later than the end of March 1982. I have agreed to provide such additional grant as may be necessary to meet the agency's net liabilities before and during the winding up, provided that the board takes all possible steps to minimise financial demands on the Government. I shall seek provision from Parliament to meet these liabilities as appropriate. My decision to withdraw Government sponsorship from the agency recognises the changed conditions since its inception and is no reflection on the agency's achievements over 17 years.