Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has spoken out following a report from the Northern Ireland Auditor General found evidence of misconduct and potential fraud in the sale of public Housing Executive land to private developers.

The East Belfast MLA who is a member of the Stormont Public Accounts committee said: "As a member of the Public Accounts committee I have been deeply concerned at the way in which Government in general has approached the disposal of land.

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"Recent examples before the Public Accounts committee include the disposal of former military sites including the Malone Road Military base.

"Every single one of these instances demands serious investigation to determine if there has been a loss to the public purse.

"The sale of land in the absence of valuations is improper to the point of illegality.

"The ordinary person in the street is required to act at all times within the law. Why should Government and its agencies be any different?'

(CD/GK)