HC Deb 17 February 1989 vol 147 c425W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much each London borough will gain from the disposal of County hall.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

This will not be known until after completion.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the nature of the pecuniary interest held by Mr. Michael Roberts, a member of the London residuary body, in the contract for the sale of County hall; when he was informed of this interest; and what involvement Mr. Roberts had in the London residuary body's discussion and decision making on the contract for the sale of County hall.

Mr. Trippier

Mr. Michael Roberts, on his appointment as a member of the board of the London residuary body, was and has continued to be a partner in the firm of Deloitte, Haskins and Sells. That firm are auditors and advisers on VAT to the County hall development group, the purchasers of County hall. Mr. Roberts declared to the board that the effect in financial terms of his indirect pecuniary interest was very small indeed. The board resolved that he could take part in the consideration and discussion of relevant matters but not so as to permit him to vote on any question with respect to it. My Department became aware of Mr. Robert's interest last December.