§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment with regard to Ashdown House, Victoria Street, which Department is to occupy it; what will be the annual rent; to what extent this rent will exceed that now paid for the property being vacated; what will be the cost of outfitting the building; and what will be the cost of moving into it.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAshdown House will be occupied by staff of one or more of three Departments, Trade, Industry and Prices and Consumer Protection, thus providing for the rationalisation of all three Departments' accommodation in buildings which can best meet this requirement. For commercial reasons it is not normal Government practice to disclose rents payable for accommodation. It has not yet been decided which buildings will be vacated. The cost of fitting out Ashdown House and of moving in will depend on the detailed needs of the occupants.