§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the required planning procedures that were followed in the sale of part of St. George's hospital to the Grosvenor Estates.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand that the sale of part of the St. George's hospital to Grosvenor Estates has not yet taken place. The proposed disposal would not be carried out under planning legislation and is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and the prospective purchasers. Grosvenor Estates has applied to Westminster city council for planning permission and listed building consent for its scheme to restore the listed Wilkins building with a new office building behind. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is currently considering whether he should call in the application for listed building consent for his own decision. The application for planning permission is still with the city of Westminster and the Greater London Council. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will not complete negotiations with Grosvenor Estates on the proposed sale until these two applications have been decided.