HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 c1009W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution made by the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment to(a) reducing school truancy, (b) reducing traffic congestion and (c) improving patient dignity. [58788]

Dr. Howells

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) helps promote better design for the cultural, social and economic benefits this brings to society. CABE is working closely with the Department for Education and Skills on the design of new education buildings; achieving a high-quality learning environment is key to reducing truancy rates. CABE is working with central and local government and with developers to promote the provision of public transport in all new developments, and thereby reduce traffic congestion. CABE is also working with NHS Estates and individual NHS trusts to ensure that health care services are delivered in well-designed environments.

Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of projects(a) approved and (b) rejected by the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment involved the external use of vernacular materials. [58787]

Dr. Howells

Of the projects that CABE sees, most are likely to contain a degree of vernacular or locally available materials. Using local materials supports CABE's aim to promote a sustainable use of resources and is a contributory factor in CABE's assessment of any building project.

Distributing body Total income 2001–02 (£) Estimated administration costs (£) Percentage of total income
New Opportunities Fund 479,770,400 27,000,000 5.62
Community Fund 296,124,518 24,000,000 8.10
Sports Council (England) 228,025,901 21,750,000 9.53