§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many British firms were included on the tender list for the cladding contract for Eland house.
§ Sir George YoungThe redevelopment of Eland house is being undertaken by Land Securities plc. The Department has signed an agreement to take a 25–year lease with a 15–year break provision. The sourcing of the building's cladding is therefore a matter for the company and not for the Department.
I understand, however, that Land Securities plc is anxious to maximise the United Kingdom content of the building within its commercial and legal constraints. The company is a founder member of the Construction Procurement Group established by leading specifiers in the industry and supported by my Department to work with suppliers of building products in enhancing their competitiveness. I am pleased to say that they have agreed to make Eland house one of the early case studies for the group.