NHS Estates Contract

HC Deb 27 March 2003 vol 402 cc398-9W

Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to prevent conflicts of interest concerning property valuation as part of the NHS estates contract; and if he will make a statement. [102879]

Mr. Hutton

NHS Estates follows guidance set out in 'Estatecode', which reflects 'Government Accounting'. The guidance advises that a professional valuation must be obtained prior to a property being marketed to act as a guide price. This valuation can be undertaken either by qualified in-house staff, the District Valuer or a suitably qualified private sector valuer.

If a sale is complex, the potential use is unclear or the sale proceeds exceed £5 million, a professional valuation is to be obtained independent of the marketing agent. An alternative would be the District Valuer or a surveyor in private practice.