§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to establish in Bradford one of the new centres to give advice about home improvements; what assessment has been made of the efficacy of agencies in Bradford already providing such advice; if he has consulted Bradford council on this matter; how the new centre will be funded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tracey[pursuant to his reply, 21 November 1986; c. 374]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs, and Construction gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Galley) on 19 November at columns 244–45. The new schemes are to be established by the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) and Care and Repair Ltd. It will be for them to establish the efficacy of 237W existing agency schemes in consultation with the relevant local authority before setting up new projects. I understand that initial discussions have taken place between the NHIC and officers of Bradford city council, but no decisions have yet been taken.