HL Deb 18 February 1997 vol 578 cc44-5WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have decided to bring into operation Part II of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; and, if so, when this will be: and, if not, why not.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers)

In November 1996, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment published a consultation paper entitled Making the Scheme for Construction Contracts pursuant to his duty under Section 114 of the 1996 Act to consult on regulations to supply fall-back provisions for construction contracts that fail to comply with the provisions of Part II. Over 100 detailed responses were received: the Government are considering them carefully.

The order making the scheme is subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament. The consultation paper pointed out that it was reasonable to assume that it would not be laid until spring 1997.