CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

DCLG – HYTHE MARINE PARK - 30 June 2014

DCLG – HYTHE MARINE PARK - 30 June 2014

Dr Julian Lewis: One stated objective of the Homes and Communities Agency’s programme for the allocation of economic assets is to

“align the assets with local economic ambitions and thereby to create more effective local economic development strategies”.

However, for Hythe marine park in New Forest East, the HCA seems minded to appoint a preferred bidder on the basis of just a moderately higher bid, without regard to those other important elements. Will the Minister comment on the need for the HCA to follow its own guidelines when appointing preferred bidders for something that will have such a major impact throughout the constituency?

[Mr Speaker: I cannot wait to hear the reply, but I wonder whether we ought to have an Adjournment debate on the matter.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins): I have had the opportunity to visit HCA departments around the country, and there is some tremendous work delivering the houses that are needed. I take the point that my hon. Friend has raised. I will see the chief executive of the HCA this afternoon, so I will take a note with me.]