§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list by date all cases in which he or his predecessors have used their restrictive powers under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 in respect of local authority direct labour building departments; what were the reasons for the exercise of powers in each case; and what was the outcome in each case.
§ Mr. ChopeThe table lists the 20 occasions on which, following serious failures to meet the required financial objectives, my right hon. Friend has directed an authority to prepare a special report under section 17(4) of the 1980 Act, and the action taken as a result. In three cases closure directions have been made. In 10 others the council has been informed that no further action will be taken apart from careful monitoring of future performance. In the other seven no decision has yet been taken.