§ Mr. Dan Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people are likely to be employed in the new £20 million office complex which he has authorised at Victoria; and why he did not require this development to be sited in the regions, in view of their greater need for the employment which it will provide.
§ Mr. Graham PageI assume that the Question refers to proposed new headquarters for B.P. Chemicals International and B.P. Oil for which an application for planning permission has been submitted to Westminister City Council, following the issue of an office development permit. Details of such applications are confidential between the applicants and the Department, but the premises will accommodate only head office staff, who for the most part will be transferred from existing London offices, and who, I am satisfied, need to operate from London.