HC Deb 29 April 1988 vol 132 cc273-4W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what type of housing is envisaged for the five areas of new housing in east London announced on 20 April; how many will be for sale and how many for rent; under whose auspices the development will take place; what total amount of expenditure is envisaged; who will be responsible for funding; and what is the anticipated time scale from commissioning of consultants' reports and the commencement of the first construction.

Mr. Waldegrave

A mix of housing in the five areas is envisaged. It is too early to comment on the nature of that mix, which will depend on planning and other considerations. Similarly it is premature to comment on the other matters raised by the hon. Member as these will be amongst the topics covered by the appointed consultant.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations took place between his Department and the London boroughs involved before he made his announcement on the consultancy studies of the prospects for new housing on five sites in east London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

No special consultations took place between the Department and the London boroughs involved. The Department keeps in general contact with all London boroughs.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the leader of Newham council was notified of his announcement of consultancy studies of the prospect for new housing in five areas in east London; and when the original announcement was made.

Mr. Waldegrave

I wrote to the leader of Newham council on 21 April, the day following my announcement.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Esher (Mr. Taylor) of 20 April,Official Report, column 825, he will involve the London boroughs concerned with the work to be undertaken by the consultants commissioned to carry out studies on the five sites for housing development in east London; and if he will make a statement.

London boroughs
Housing capital expenditure (outturn)
£ million
1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87
City of London 1.5 0.8 0.6 1.3 2.4 1.2 5.5
Barking and Dagenham 4.9 3.5 4.1 4.7 2.7 5.5 7.5
Barnet 12.1 7.7 8.1 12.3 11.8 12.1 14.3
Bexley 5.7 6.8 7.3 8.2 9.5 7.5 4.3

Mr. Waldegrave

It is intended to involve the London boroughs concerned as appropriate.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Esher (Mr. Taylor) of 20 April,Official Report, column 825, what is the consultancy fee allowed for in the study of the five sites for housing identified in east London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The commission will be let by competitive tender so no fee has yet been determined.