§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for developing pilot schemes for compulsory competitive tendering of housing management; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungCompulsory competitive tendering for housing management can make a major contribution to improving the service provided by local authorities to their tenants, and it is therefore important that central and local government co-operate closely in developing effective procedures. I have already invited six local authorities, Newham, Westminster, Rochdale, Derby, East Staffordshire and Mid Suffolk, to be pilot authorities. My Department will be discussing with the authorities over the coming months how this project should be carried forward. I expect to invite further authorities to participate in due course.