§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost of the present refurbishing of the Whitgift Centre at Croydon; and why this expenditure is necessary in view of the intended move to Teesside.
§ Mr. FreesonWhitgift Centre comprises three high-rise and one low-rise block extending over a wide area. Staff on associated work need to be close together; and following a recent reorganisation the accommodation was reallocated and refurbished to provide for more effective working. The cost of this work is £63,000. It would be inefficient and uneconomic to retain an unsatisfactory layout for a period of several years before dispersal to Teesside. Rationalising the layout has also released space for the newly formed design office and has thus avoided the expense of providing it with accommodation elsewhere.