§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any commissions have so far been won 540W by the British Urban Development Services Unit of his Department; and whether he has set a date by which sufficient commissions must be won to cover its commercial cost, failing which it will be disbanded.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNo; but negotiations are very far advanced for a major project in Saudi Arabia. This is not a field in which quick results are to be expected, and it would be premature to consider the possibility of disbandment on the experience to date which is on the whole encouraging.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has set a financial target for rate of return on assets of the British Urban Development Services Unit; and, if so, what that rate is for the current financial year.
§ Mr. FreesonAs previously stated, it is the intention that all the costs of the Unit shall over time be recovered in full from the charges made for its services.