HL Deb 12 March 1996 vol 570 cc57-8WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Greenwich Hospital Act 1869, which restricts the permitted occupants, uses and periods of leasing of Greenwich Hospital (Royal Naval College, Greenwich), is now in force, and if so whether it is appropriate for the Secretary of State for Defence to spend or to commit public money in the expectation of Parliament agreeing to a change in the law; and

What expenditures the Secretary of State for Defence has

  1. (a) made, and
  2. (b) committed himself to,
regarding future uses of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich outwith the Greenwich Hospital Act 1869, including the Estate Agents' fees and expenses; expenses of the advisory group; other consultants, and other expenses.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

The Greenwich Hospital Act 1869 is still in force. Costs have been incurred to date on ascertaining what interest there might be in occupation by organisations not falling within the terms of the 1869 Act, and on additional rent review costs. This expenditure totals some £64,500 plus VAT, exclusive of in-house staff resources. The advisory group has been paid no expenses. No action has been taken which pre-empts the will of Parliament.