Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the proposed extension scheme for 10 dwellings at Ardstewart, Stewartstown, had received final detailed planning permission before the Northern Ireland Housing Executive invited tenders; and why it invited tenders when it was unable to proceed with the contract.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that tenders for the scheme were invited before detailed planning permission was received so that the scheme could start as soon as possible after the receipt of planning permission, which it had been anticipated would be obtained within the period for acceptance of tenders.