HC Deb 26 February 2004 vol 418 cc575-6W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004,Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), what estimate he has made of the current value of his Department's interest in the accommodation; [155493]

(2) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), if he will make a statement on the work which is ongoing to secure an assignee or subtenant; [155494]

(3) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), what has been the cost since 1999 of efforts to dispose of the accommodation; and how much has been spent in the last year; [155495]

(4) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), whether the NHS will enter discussions with the head leaseholder to surrender the leasehold interest. [155496]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 23 February 2004]: Since 1999, the total costs attributable to the disposal of this accommodation are in the order of £8,500 and approximately £3,000 has been spent in the last year.

Discussions are currently taking place with a national health service trust with a view to them taking responsibility for this leasehold interest.

The current estimated value for the health centre is commercially confidential.

Further negotiations will be held with the head leaseholder if and when it is in the best interests of the NHS.