§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the future of the old public offices in Whitehall; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarksThe Government have already announced—[Vol. 936, c862–3.] —that part of the old public offices was vacated when the Home Office transferred its headquarters to 50 Queen Anne's Gate earlier this year. It is intended to preserve the existing facades of the old public offices and as many as possible of the fine interiors. The possibility of extensive reconstruction within the facades has been considered but has been found to be too costly in relation to the additional accommodation provided. It has, therefore, been decided to retain the building without reconstruction, but to carry out a programme of improvement 801W and modernisation over the next three to four years as resources permit. Cleaning and restoration of the stonework in the courtyard is already in progress. The part of the building that was vacated by the Home Office will, on completion of the works, be occupied by Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff transferred from leased accommodation elsewhere in central London.