To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the urban regeneration agency to be established; whether its terms of reference will include Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; if he will advertise openly the jobs of chairmen; and if he will make a statement.

Subject to the passage of legislation, it is likely that the urban regeneration agency will be established in the second half of 1993. Its remit will be restricted to England and Mr. Peter Walker has already agreed to be the first chairman.