HC Deb 17 January 1977 vol 924 cc9-10W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the locations of the six leaseholds required by the Property Services Agency in anticipation of the introduction of the wealth tax; and if he will instruct the Agency to dispose of these to the private sector together with the new Crown building in Plymouth, all intended for administration of a tax which is not to be introduced during the present Parliament.

Mr. Marks

Accommodation for the administration of capital taxes including the proposed wealth tax, has been leased in Stockton-on-Tees—two buildings—Stockport, Derby, Solihull and Edinburgh. A building to be leased by the Property Services Agency is being constructed by a private developer in Wrexham. Alternative uses for this accommodation and for the Crown building being built in Plymouth are under urgent consideration. I do not at present envisage that it will be necessary to dispose of them to the private sector but I certainly do not rule this out in any case where the building cannot be put to good use and where acceptable terms can be negotiated for an assignment of the lease.