HC Deb 04 May 1999 vol 330 cc847-8

'.—(1) The Secretary of State shall be under a duty to provide accommodation for—

  1. (a) the Authority, and
  2. (b) each of the functional bodies,

during the period of five years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

(2) If the Secretary of State is satisfied that appropriate accommodation is available or has been provided for a body falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) above, he may by order make provision substituting for the period for the time being specified in that subsection as it has effect in relation to that body such shorter period as he may determine.

(3) Where the Secretary of State—

  1. (a) has made an order under subsection (2) above in the case of any body, but
  2. (b) subsequently considers that it is necessary, expedient or desirable to extend the period for the time being specified in subsection (1) above as it has effect in relation to that body,

he may by order make provision substituting for that period (whether or not it has expired) such longer period as he may determine, ending not later than the period of five years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

(4) The Secretary of State need not provide accommodation for a body under subsection (1) above during any period as respects which that body has notified him that it does not require him to provide accommodation for it.

(5) The provision of accommodation under subsection (1) above shall be on such financial and other terms as the Secretary of State may

determine.'—[Mr. Raynsford.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Mr. Raynsford

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

The new clause requires the Secretary of State to provide accommodation for the Greater London Authority and the functional bodies in the first instance. That is to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to the new arrangements. Our objective is to ensure that when the new authority and functional bodies come into existence, they are not distracted from their main purpose by the need to find accommodation. Where staff who are being absorbed into the new authority and functional bodies are already in appropriate accommodation, we expect that they will remain where they are, but new staff and absorbed staff who cannot remain in their current accommodation will need to be provided for. The amendment will ensure that the Secretary of State makes the necessary preparations.

Mr. Ottaway

What is the position regarding the interim accommodation for the new authority?

Mr. Raynsford

I hope to be able to make an announcement on the interim accommodation in the very near future. We have been working hard to find—

It being Twelve midnight, MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [30 April].

Question agreed to.

Clause read a Second time.

MR DEPUTY SPEAKER then put the remaining Questions required to be put at that hour.

Clause added to the Bill.

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