HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc243-5W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the specific intended use of the new Crown building in Plymouth, now that it is no longer intended to be used as a capital tax office; from which buildings the civil servants to be accommodatted there will be transferred; and whether he will give an assurance that an equivalent amount of office space will be disposed of by the public service.

Mr. Marks

The building will be mainly occupied by the Land Registry, which is expanding its operations in Plymouth. Other occupants will be Customs and Excise and vehicle licensing staff. Civil servants will be transferred from the British Rail tower block, Duke Street and Mayflower House. These arrangements have enabled plans for a new building in Plymouth for the Land Registry to be cancelled. Some leased accommodation has been surrendered.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Crown building at Plymouth was originally commissioned by the Property Services Agency either wholly or mainly for the proposed capital tax office; when the decision to build it was announced; what has been the cost to the Property Services Agency of its construction; and what is the expected date of final completion.

Mr. Marks

The building was commissioned wholly for a proposed capital tax office. The choice of Plymouth as one of eight centres was announced in the House of Commons on 20th May 1975—[Vol. 892, c. 334–51—and a notice of receipt by Plymouth City Council of a planning application appeared in theWestern Morning News of 12th June 1975. The expected final cost of the building, including adaptation works, is £2.2 million. The final completion date is September 1978.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of civil servants whom it was originally intended to accommodate in the proposed capital tax office in Wrexham; what are the intended alternative uses for the empty office space; how many civil servants will be involved; and when the building will be filled.

Mr. Marks

About 350. Alternative uses of the accommodation are under review and part of the building is shortly to be occupied by up to 100 staff of the Department of Health and Social Security.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount of office space vacated by the civil servants now employed in what were originally proposed to be capital tax offices in Derby, Stockport and Solihull; and whether the space vacated has either been sold off or the lease has expired.

Mr. Marks

The total amount of office be vacated to date is 1,400 sq ft. It is planned that a further 36,000 sq ft will be vacated shortly, of which 28,000 sq ft will be surrendered on expiry of leases.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of civil servants whom it was originally intended to accommodate in the proposed capital tax offices in (a) Derby, (b) Stockport and (c) Solihull; what are the current uses for the buildings in question; for how long they stood empty; and what is the total

Location Total number of civil servants originally intended for accommodation Total number of civil servants now employed Current use of building Period empty
Derby 200 Nil at present, 270 shortly. To be Inland Revenue 26 months.
Stockport 400 164 at present, 324 from July. Inland Revenue 10 months.
Solihull 200 273 at present, 300 shortly. Inland Revenue Building occupied since completion in November 1976.