§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current number of vacant or derelict offices, houses and other buildings belonging to his Department; and what are his plans to dispose of or utilise them.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation in the detail requested is not routinely collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 29 March at column282.
Following the report of the inquiry into underused and surplus property in the National Health Service, we have issued guidance to health authorities, commending the report's recommendations, and in particular requiring them to take steps to identify and dispose of surplus property.