§ Mr. Raisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the need, under present economic circumstances, for each of the following contracts, placed by the Property 234W Services Agency in the week ended 31st May: (i) CSB Faslane: additional water supply/storage, (ii) Preston: acoustic suspended ceilings, (iii) Science Museum: east wing infill, (iv) 140 Gower Street: occupational services, (v) Southbridge House: general improvements, (vi) St. Christopher House: alterations, (vii) Yeovilton: provision of sports pavilion and (viii) Pirbright: proposed sportsfield; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonYes. Water storage is inadequate at CSB Faslane. The Preston offices require improvement; the suspended ceiling will reduce heat loss as well as noise. Space is needed for major educational exhibits at the Science Museum. 140 Gower Street is to house staff from premises to be given up. Work at Southbridge House and St. Christopher House is necessary to remedy structural damage and to bring conditions, particularly toilets, up to standard. Sports facilities at Yeovilton and Pirbright are well below scale for the numbers of Service men stationed there.
§ Mr. Raisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the amount of cuts made or proposed in the contracts placed by the Property Services Agency.
§ Mr. FreesonThe reductions in public expenditure in 1976–77 announced in the Budget Statement included about £9 million on new works carried out by the Property Services Agency.