HC Deb 18 December 1986 vol 107 cc684-5W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total amount spent by the Property Services Agency on works of art in each of the past five years.

Mr. Chope

There is no single budget to cover the costs of works of art and the information is not available.

Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what fee reductions have been achieved in the Property Services Agency as a result of fee competition for consultants' commissions on major works projects.

Mr. Chope

The Property Services Agency introduced fee competition in July 1984 for all consultants' commissions relating to works projects over £2 million in value. Below that value, fees are the subject of negotiation.

A recent Property Services Agency report, "Fee Competition Review Committee Report", showed that the initial fee savings which were being achieved as a result of fee competition were as follows:

Per cent.
Architectural Commissions 15
Quantity Surveying Commissions 26
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Commissions 15
Civil and Structural Engineering Commissions 10

These figures represent average savings of approximately 17 per cent.

A copy of the report has been placed in the House Library.