HC Deb 26 July 1972 vol 841 cc298-9W
43. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reply he has sent to the letters addressed to him by Mr. Harry Hyams on the subject of Centre Point on 27th and 28th June.

Mr. Peter Walker

I replied to Mr. Hyams on 18th July. The following is a copy of my reply:

Letter to H. J Hyams, Esq.

18th July, 1972

I have received your letters of 27th and 28th June, commenting on my references to empty office blocks.

In my speech in the House recorded in the Official Report for 26th June, you may see that I referred, in general terms, to the practice of leaving completed office blocks empty so as to enhance capital gains. I said that the effect of this practice was to frustrate office development and planning controls, to deprive the ratepayers of a substantial contribution to the rates, and to waste resources.

In your letters you refer only to Centre Point, which I mentioned in my speech in the House as one example of an office block which has stood empty for many years. I cannot, of course, comment on the details of your negotiations with possible tenants of Centre Point. However, it does seem to me—as you know it does to many people in the property world—extraordinary that buildings in such prime positions as Centre Point and London Bridge House should have stood empty for so long at a time when there has been an acute scarcity of offices in central London.

I am concerned to bring about an end to the present situation. I am sure that you will appreciate the reasons for this, as explained in my speech in the House. I indicated then a number of possible courses of action. And I also said that I would be prepared to introduce legislation within a few months if this should still prove to be necessary.

I am making copies of this letter available to the Press.

50. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent communications he has received from Mr. Harry Hyams on the subject of Centre Point.

Mr. Peter Walker

Mr. Hyams wrote to me on 27th and 28th June.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from office property developers following his policy statements concerning Centre Point; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

None, apart from the owners of Centre Point.