§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the way English Partnerships conducts negotiations on the projects it is involved with. [18892]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is completely satisfied with the way in which English Partnerships operates its development programme. Before committing any resources, English Partnerships submits all potential projects to close appraisal in order to ensure that the agency follows the latest best practice and achieves the best possible value for public money at its disposal. The basis of this appraisal is described in the agency's published "Investment Guide" and "Community Investment Guide".