§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent No. 1 Carlton Gardens, St. James's Park, has had renovation and improvements made; over what period of time; at what costs; when it was last occupied and for how long; why, in view of these expenses further money is to be spent on redecorations; and whether in furtherance of the Government's policy of expenditure curbs he will cease further expenditure on this project.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe ministerial residence in 1 Carlton Gardens was last occupied from 1970 to March 1974. It was necessary to carry out overdue renovation and repairs to the residence and the state rooms required by the terms of the lease, and works services were carried out to the whole of the building between January 1975 and April 1976 at a final cost of £232,000. No further works are envisaged other than routine maintenance, and external repainting planned for next year under the terms of the lease.
The state rooms returned to official use from 1976, but the flat remained empty until occupied by the Lord Privy Seal in May of this year.