§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) since five Ministers have the use of houses and/or flats the upkeep of which without rates is £9,500 per annum, what the figures would be inclusive of rates; and whether the upkeep includes the supply of furniture and other fittings included for living purposes;
(2) whether he will give on an average basis the worth of the stated number of 864W residential premises used by Ministers; and where possible the rates, or rent, latest annual upkeep figure and any known or discernible expense or payment which has gone towards the upkeep of these properties.
§ Mr. Marks:I am aware that the upkeep costs of the five flats are approximately £9,500 per annum exclusive of rates. Contributions in lieu of rates are paid which would increase the figure to approximately £26,000. The upkeep costs do not include the supply of furniture and fittings. From time to time structural or other major maintenance is required to the buildings in which the flats are situated, but detailed attribution of costs has not normally been practical. As the flats are all situated in Crown buildings no rent is paid, and because they could not be let on the open market it is not possible to give estimates of their annual worth.