HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 c366W
Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the progress, morale and performance of the British Board of Agrement since 6 June 1984.

Mr. John Patten

Agrement certificates are now recognised, under the building control system introduced in November 1985, as documents which demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the building regulations. The number of valid certificates has increased from 534 in May 1984 to 643 in November 1986. Between December 1985 and November 1986, the board issued 207 certificates, of which 73 were replacements for old ones "recast" in a new format.

Progress towards financial self-sufficiency, which it was forecast would be achieved in financial year 1987–88, is proving slower than anticipated, but grant in aid paid to the board as a proportion of turnover is down, from 31 per cent. in 1984–85 to about 20 per cent. (estimated) for 1986–87.