§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how his Department monitors the operation of rules laid down in respect of the assigning of contracts, the sale of assets, or the partnership arrangements for implementing development plans, by urban development corporations; if he has any plans to improve these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Hunt[holding answer 12 December 1989]: Urban development corporations are subject to annual audit by external auditors appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Auditors are required, inter alia, to report on whether corporations have complied with normal public sector procedures for letting contracts, disposing of assets and partnership arrangements. The Department liaises closely with UDCs on their progress; this includes appropriate guidance, monitoring, and approval of projects under financial delegation arrangements.