HC Deb 25 October 1994 vol 248 cc569-70W
Sir John Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to use the Woodlee rehabilitation centre, Egham, for the vocational rehabilitation of disabled people.

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Sir John Hannam, dated 25 October 1994: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the future use of the Woodlee Rehabilitation Centre, Egham for the vocational rehabilitation of disabled people. In keeping with the policy of delivering rehabilitation services through local providers announced in 1991 by Michael Howard, the then Secretary of State for Employment, the Woodlee Centre closed its rehabilitation services in 1992. The premises have since been used, pending their sale, to accommodate other services. The premises were placed on the open market in August and a total of eight bids were received. I have authorised acceptance of the highest bid representing the best return to the taxpayer. That bidder is a private educational establishment and will not be using the premises for the rehabilitation of disabled people. I hope this is helpful.

Sir John Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost of the redevelopment of the Woodlee rehabilitation centre, Egham.

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Sir John Hannam, dated 25 October 1994: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the cost of the redevelopment of Woodlee Rehabilitation Centre, Egham. The Employment Service has not had any plans to redevelop the Woodlee site since its closure as a rehabilitation centre in 1992. It was recently placed for sale on the open market and on 17 October I agreed acceptance of an offer from a private educational establishment. I hope this is helpful.