§ Mr. Radiceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local authorities in County Durham have made representations to him about the fact that the housing cost yardstick plus market allowance for council house building projects is inadequate to meet the lowest received tender, thus bringing to a halt the building of council houses in areas of great need; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. ChannonSince the beginning of the year, nine local authorities in County Durham have made representations about the yardstick in relation to particular schemes. Agreement has been reached or negotiations are proceeding on all but two of the schemes concerned to enable them to go ahead without delay. It would not be in the interests of the authorities concerned to name them.