§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to develop the British embassy in Berlin; what is the estimated value of the present site; what is the projected cost of the redevelopment work; how many staff will be employed in the embassy; how much office space, residential accommodation and what recreational and restaurant facilities will be provided; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladWe own the site of the former embassy in Berlin, destroyed during world war two. Its value is estimated at £11 million. The cost of construction of a new building on that site together with the cost of an adjoining site which is being acquired, is estimated at £21510W million. This will enable a fully functioning embassy to be built and provide office accommodation for 80 UK-based and 80 local staff. No residential accommodation will be built. A staff canteen, recreation room and library will be provided. Conference and exhibition facilities will also be provided for use by British exporters and other organisations.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sites were considered for the new British embassy in Berlin; who made the decision on the site and on what advice; what provisional arrangements will be made and at what cost to ensure the effective continuation of the embassy's work during the period of redevelopment; and for how long it is expected to last.
§ Mr. GoodladVarious possibilities were considered for the establishment of a new embassy in Berlin. The most cost-effective option was chosen. The decision we took was to construct a new building on a site we already part owned.
The work of the British embassy will continue in Bonn and at the present British embassy, Berlin office, at 32/34 Unter den Linden, until the opening of the new building, planned for early 1999, when staff will be transferred.