HC Deb 10 June 1997 vol 295 cc435-6W
Mr. Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to introduce provisions analogous to those contained in the Local Government Finance (Supplementary Credit Approvals) Bill to enable the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to expand its activities; and if she will make a statement. [1914]

Mr. Murphy

There is no need to introduce similar provisions. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive presently uses its housing capital receipts, including those from house sales, as an alternative to fresh borrowing to fund its capital works programmes.

Mr. Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she plans to proceed with proposals to subject Northern Ireland Housing Executive functions to compulsory competitive tendering; and if she will make a statement. [1918]

Mr. Murphy

The Government is committed to replacing compulsory competitive tendering with a duty on local authorities to achieve best value. I hope to make an announcement soon on the application of the best value approach for Housing Executive functions.