HL Deb 03 May 1984 vol 451 cc629-30

3.21 p.m.

Baroness Jeger

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows: To ask Her Majesty's Government to what purpose the funds resulting from the proposed sale of Bedford College buildings in Regents Park will be devoted, and how this sale will benefit the University of London.

The Earl of Swinton

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government intend in principle that the proceeds of sale of the leases of the Bedford College buildings will be devoted to the costs of the transfer of the college to Egham. The whole of the proceeds will therefore be used for the benefit of the college, which is part of the University of London. Final agreement to this arrangement is subject to the demonstration of the cost effectiveness of the proposal.

Baroness Jeger

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl the Minister for that encouraging Answer. Can he say whether the Government will try to suggest to the Crown Commissioners, who I understand own this uniquely beautiful site, that whoever takes possession of it, some consideration will be given as to the public good and that this lovely site will not be used for speculative and profiteering purposes?

The Earl of Swinton

My Lords, I cannot give any details of the negotiations taking place, but I can say that I understand the negotiations taking place are satisfactory in regard to the kind of point about which the noble Baroness asks.

Baroness Wootton of Abinger

My Lords, it seems rather surprising that the proceeds from this extremely valuable site—I do not know how much money it has fetched, but it must be a great deal—should apparently all be spent on what is virtually a removal job.

The Earl of Swinton

My Lords, I cannot give the noble Baroness, Lady Wootton, any details of what the site is going to fetch, but I can say the proposal was based on the need to rationalise the accommodation of the two colleges in such a way that they could keep within their advised lower level of funding, without damaging their academic strength. The proposals will have been subject to a full investment appraisal by the university. So far as this lovely site is concerned, I think it is important to remember that only a 26-year lease remains on the buildings in Regents Park.

Baroness Lockwood

If there is a surplus on the transfer, would the Minister consider using some of the money for the purpose of special educational needs of women, such as conversion courses to science and technology subjects?

The Earl of Swinton

My Lords, as I understand it, I think it is unlikely there will be much of a surplus. How the money will be spent, and whether it may all be spent, is of course a subject for negotiation with the university authorities.

Lord Allen of Abbeydale

My Lords, as a member of the Bedford and Holloway councils, thanks to the noble Lord the Lord President, may I ask the Minister whether he agrees that it is not just simply a removal job, but that it involves a great deal of new construction at Egham to accommodate the needs of the combined college?

The Earl of Swinton

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord for drawing the House's attention to that point. I should have explained that when I answered an earlier question.