HC Deb 11 November 1975 vol 899 c1476

Lords Amendment: No. 162, in page 29, line 29, at end insert— ( ) In this section 'floor space' means gross floor space, and the amount of any such space shall be ascertained by external measurement of that space whether the office accommodation in question is or is not bounded (wholly or partly) by external walls of the office building.

Mr. Oakes

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

The amendment defines what is meant by "floor space" for the purpose of calculating whether that space in an office building exceeds the minimum 5,000 square metres. It is proper that the exact amount should be defined in the statute, and the Lords amendment will have that effect.

Mr. Stephen Ross

I merely wish to ask the Minister why, for the purpose of floor area, the external measurements appear to have been taken, because in normal valuation circles the internal area is the measurement used. I understand that such a system also applies for rating purposes, and I wondered why, in this case, the Government had gone for external measurements.

Mr. Oakes

I cannot answer the hon. Gentleman, but I promise to write to him with the answer.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords amendments agreed to.

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