Written question asked by Neil Turner (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 February 2001. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 26 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what progress has been made in preparing a draft order under section 16 of the Local Government Act 1999 to liberalise local authorities' powers to engage in trading activities; and when such an order will be published.

Answer: Mr. Neil Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in preparing a draft order under section 16 of the Local Government Act 1999 to liberalise local authorities' powers to engage in trading activities; and when such an order will be published. [150732] Ms Beverley Hughes: We expect to publish next month a consultation paper on the use of powers in "Section 16" of the "Local Government Act 1999" to provide new and amended powers to promote and facilitate the achievement of best value through partnership working. This will include proposals for best value authorities to provide a wider range of goods and services to partners, both in the public and private sectors. Draft Orders will be laid before Parliament following the conclusion of the consultation exercise.

Secondary information