§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential properties owned by his Department are(a) empty, (b) for sale on the open market, (c) intended for sale on the open market and (d) for sale to housing associations, in terms of numbers and percentage of stock.
§ Mr. DorrellA survey in 1990 indicated that about 14,000 NHS residential units—15 per cent. of the stock —were unoccupied. Of these 11,500 units were "bedsits" and about 1,000 were shared flats. The reasons for unoccupancy range from the need for accommodation to be available for new staff, to accommodation being empty whilst being refurbished or awaiting demolition or sale.
Health authorities and NHS trusts are responsible for the management of NHS residential accommodation and the sale of property which becomes surplus. The disposal of surplus property is within guidelines issued by the Department. Details of sales are not held centrally.