§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the preparation of regulations relating to the competition requirements for direct labour organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindA consultation exercise on the terms of draft regulations has just been completed. I am grateful to all those who responded and have carefully considered all the comments received. In the light of representations made, I have decided to delay the introduction of these regulations for a further six months to 1 October 1990. This short deferment will be of particular assistance to the new town development corporations and to Scottish Homes which are actively pursuing the privatisation of their direct labour organisations.