§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if housing associations are regarded by his Department as subject to management supervision by his Department or by the Housing Corporation for the purpose of the EU public procurement directive.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesNo, but the Government are considering the position of housing associations in the light of a recent ruling by the European court regarding similar bodies in another state, and legal opinions brought to my Department's attention. I will write to the hon. Member when we have completed this further consideration.