§ 36. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the high rental now negotiated by the London Borough of Brent for the continued civic use of Brent House, he will reconsider his decision to approve the means whereby this property could be bought by the council and effect a saving of ratepayers' money.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)No, Sir. I am sure it is a better use of resources that the very large sum required to buy this building should be applied to the carrying out of new construction works.
§ Mr. PavittIs it not a nonsense that because of the Government's fiscal arrangements the ratepayers of my constituency are unable to save, over a period, quite a considerable amount of cash? Does the hon. Gentleman realise the tremendous amount of rent the council has agreed to pay annually?
§ Mr. SpeedWe looked very carefully at this matter again following the meeting which my right hon. Friend had with hon. Members earlier in the year. However, the saving of ratepayers' money had to be weighed against the adverse effect on other London borough councils which have much inferior accommodation.