§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his Department's tendering policy for contracts for work under the various voluntary housing associations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 15 February 1988]: For schemes financed through housing association grant (HAG) the Department normally requires registered housing associations to use a single stage selective tendering procedure as laid down in the code of procedure issued by the National Joint Consultative Committee for Building (NJCC). However, where circumstances justify an alternative approach, other forms of building procurement such as a negotiated contract or design and build package deals may be considered for approval. These latter arrangements are proving useful in enabling associations to secure projects particularly suited to the specialist needs for which they provide.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his departmental policy towards planning applications from voluntary housing associations for developments which subsequently are passed on to private developers; how many applications of this type have been approved in the last three years and how many refused; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 15 February 1988]: Planning applications are considered on their merits and the Department of the Environment (NI) has regard only to the nature of the developments proposed and not to the identity of the applicants. Accordingly, information in the form requested is not available.