§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors inform the decision to sell his Department's real estate as building land; and if he will make a statement. [43563]
§ Ms BlearsOnce a property has been identified as surplus to national health service (NHS) requirements it will be disposed of. In accordance with Treasury guidance a planning application is likely to be made that will maximise the receipt that will then be re-invested in new NHS capital developments. The local planning authority is responsible for determining the alternative use of the land. Most surplus land disposals over the past few years have been for residential development.