§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances Cmnd. 8524 was laid 261W before the House on 11 March in view of the fact that the Minute is dated 12 March; and if he will now withdraw and relay the Minute.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Minute (Cmnd. 8524) was laid on 11 March for the convenience of hon. Members in confidential final revise form, while the published version was already in the process of printing. It was not certain that published copies of the Minute would have been available for laying on 12 March (a Friday) prior to the rising of the House. Had the Minute been laid at a late hour there would have been some danger that hon. Members would not have become aware of it until 15 March. Since the period for objections running from 11 March has not in any way been curtailed, I see no reason to withdraw the Minute.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will withhold final approval to the proposals in Cmnd. 8524 until the United Kingdom Housing Trust is informed about the precise details of the indemnity proposed to be granted.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe United Kingdom Housing Trust has been informed by officials of my Department about the indemnity in favour of former employees of the National Building Agency described in Cmnd. 8524. I have now given final approval for the indemnity to be issued.