§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he offers regarding the siting of administrative offices belonging to organisations that come within the jurisdiction of his Department; whether he gives advice on whether they should be situated in central London; and what part private agencies play in the location of offices.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Government's policy is that decisions on the location of its work—whether in central London or elsewhere—must take account of the economy and efficiency of the Government's operation, of the need to contain public expenditure and of regional considerations. This policy applies to the location of any establishment or body wholly or partly financed by the Government. The PSA manages the Government's civil office estate in accordance with this policy and advises Departments and other bodies for which it acts accordingly. The location of new or additional work or of a substantial extension of existing work is the subject of inter-Departmental consultations. In terms of identifying property within locations, the PSA instructs private agents when it seems appropriate.