HC Deb 06 May 1981 vol 4 cc98-9W
38. Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in possession of the report from the National Building Agency on section 10 claims for new towns; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn and Hatfield (Mr. Murphy) on 27 April and to the hon. Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens) earlier today.

39. Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what basis he has fixed the requirement of a 5 per cent. rate of return on capital employed by direct labour organisations of local authorities.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The 5 per cent. rate of return reflects the real cost of the capital invested in council direct labour organisations and is intended to ensure that an organisation is making efficient use of resources which could have been used for some other purpose.