Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to introduce compulsory competitive tendering to housing executive management in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; what representations he has received about such proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government are committed to the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering for housing management. They will take some time to consider the exact form of competitive tendering appropriate to Northern Ireland, taking into account the particular local circumstances and background against which the Northern Ireland Housing Executive operates. I have received a number of representations directly and indirectly from elected representatives. It will be at least 1995 before the necessary enabling legislative provisions are in place and the normal consultative process will take place in bringing forward that legislation.