§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what reasons he was unable to lay an order before Parliament relating to the sale of local authority crematoriums prior to the summer adjournment of Parliament. [40568]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Approved Investments) (Amendment No.2) Regulations 1995 provide for increases in the usable proportion of local authorities' capital receipts from sales of shops and car parks, as well as of crematoriums. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration announced the increases for shops and car parks on 23 March, and stated that they would apply from 1 September, so the regulations needed to come into effect by then. Discussions with local authorities were held before the regulations were laid, so as to ensure that the increases applied in as wide a range of circumstances as possible. The regulations were laid as soon as possible after those discussions.
§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines he will issue in respect of the commercial development of crematoriums sold off by local authorities following the order of 2 August. [40569]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordWe have encouraged authorities in considering any disposals to take into account the need to ensure competitive pricing and continuing quality of service.