§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the scheme for construction contracts under the Housing Grant, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 will become operative. [21138]
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§ Mr. ClappisonThe consultation paper, "Making the Scheme for Construction Contracts", which the Department of the Environment published last November, pointed out that it was reasonable to assume that the scheme would not be laid before Parliament before spring 1997. We have made good progress with the consultation exercise but it is now clear that we will not be laying the scheme in the current Session.
The consultation document canvassed views about the need for an "adjustment period" between the making of the scheme and the implementation of the complete legislative package. The responses showed that an adjustment period of a few months could well be needed. The precise duration may depend, to some extent, on the date the scheme is approved by Parliament.