§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the recruitment of a chief executive designate for the proposed urban regeneration agency.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe main aim of the urban regeneration agency will be to secure the reclamation and reuse of vacant, derelict and underused land and buildings in urban areas. It will also promote land reclamation nationally and encourage the provision of industrial and commercial premises in areas of need. We want the agency to begin this important work as soon as is practicable after the enactment of the Housing and Urban Development Bill which provides for its establishment. To this end, we intend shortly to advertise the post of chief executive. Subject to the enactment of the Bill, the successful candidate will be appointed as chief executive by the agency when established. Lord Walker of Worcester, who will be the agency's first chairman, will play a leading role in the selection process. Pending enactment of the Bill expenditure on the recruitment exercise, estimated at £60,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund. Repayment to the fund will be made from the Department of the Environment administration vote (class VIII vote 8).