HC Deb 11 November 1999 vol 337 cc718-9W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department will publish statistical information indicating the percentage reduction negotiated by his departmental officials for commercial property as against the original rent demanded by landlords. [98309]

Mr. Byers

While my Department has had success in achieving reductions to landlords' original demands, publishing such detail would prejudice the future negotiating position both of my Department and other public bodies.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements exist to ensure that representatives of his Department, when negotiating leases on commercial property for use by his Department secure the best possible terms. [98306]

Mr. Byers

Since April 1996 when my Department assumed direct responsibility for the management of its estate, we have always used professional property and legal advisers to ensure we secure best value leases that meet the Department's operating needs.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate occasions when his Department has failed to negotiate lower rents for commercial property where lower rents are available for similar property used by quangos and private sector operators. [98310]

Mr. Byers

Yes, if such occasions are drawn to my attention.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the effect of increases in commercial rents paid by his Department on similar properties the tenants of which are quangos or private sector organisations. [98308]

Mr. Byers

When conducting rent reviews on our properties, my Department consults the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) with the aim of ensuring that our negotiations will not have an adverse effect on other Government Departments and public bodies.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what monitoring arrangements exist to ensure that rents paid by his Department for office accommodation in the regions are comparable to those paid by the private sector and quangos. [98307]

Mr. Byers

Since April 1996 when my Department assumed direct responsibility for the management of its estate throughout the United Kingdom, my Department has always taken advice from the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) and its own commercial property advisers on rent reviews and new lets to ensure that our costs reflect local market conditions.