§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the reasons for the delay in publishing the regulations on the house renovation grants scheme; what is the average interlude between the publication of regulations and the starting of a scheme; and what representations he has had from(a) local authorities and (b) others on this matter.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Housing Renovation etc. Grants (Reduction of Grant) Regulations 1990 (S.I. No. 1189) were not laid before Parliament until 8 June as they had been the subject of an extensive consultation exercise. It was necessary to take account of comments received from consultees before the regulations could be finalised. Information is not available on the average time taken between the publication of regulations and the start of a scheme and it could be collected only at disproportionate cost. Since the regulations were laid my Department has received two representations from local authorities and 13 from hon. Members.