§ Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) why the London Docklands Development Corporation's expenditure in 1982–83 on administration and promotion amount to £7 million against a budgeted figure of £4 million;
(2) why the London Docklands Development Corporation's budget for environmental improvements was underspent by 20 per cent. in 1982–83;
(3) why, according to the London Docklands Development Corporation's annual report 1982 to 1983, the corporation spent only £2 million of the £5 million budgeted for community and industry support;
(4) whether, in view of the discrepancies between budget and actual expenditure under some heads of the London Docklands Development Corporation's expenditure, he will require the corporation to make available an annual statement on its performance against targets.
§ Sir George Young1982–83 was the first full year of operation for the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), which represented a new approach to urban renewal. In these circumstances, its achievements on the ground, which were considerable, were difficult to predict exactly at the outset. Underspends in some areas of project expenditure, such as environmental treatment, were mostly made up by increases in others.
The increased expenditure on administration (which includes promotion) was largely due to a more rapid expansion of the corporation's activities, together with its accommodation and back-up services, than was originally envisaged. Expenditure on community support was close to provision. The underspend on support for industry was the result of over-estimation of demand by LDDC combined with slippage and incomplete take-up where assistance was offered.
I see no reason to require LDDC to provide an annual statement of performance against targets. The information that the hon. Gentleman requests can be obtained by comparing the outturn given in LDDC's annual report and accounts, which are presented to Parliament, with the provision recorded in the Supply Estimates.
§ Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the London Docklands Development Corporation corporate plan, and the similar plans for 1983–84 and 1984–85, are made available to the public.
§ Sir George YoungLDDC published a summary of its first corporate plan, which focuses on the year 1983–84. I am asking the corporation to consider making available the 1984–85 plan and future plans.