§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has concluded his consideration of the response from the London borough of Waltham Forest to the notice served on the authority on 29 July 1991 under section 19A of the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. and learned Friend has now completed his careful consideration of the response which the London borough of Waltham Forest made to the notice served on the authority on 29 July 1991, as well as the authority's direct service organisation annual accounts for the financial years 1990–91 and 1991–92 which showed a continuing failure to achieve the required rate of return, and has today given a direction under section 19B of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. The effect of the direction is that authority is required to seek the Secretary of State's consent when it wishes to undertake certain maintenance work in circumstances where it has not submitted the lowest tender.