§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the current and inclusive costs of providing security at the former St. George's hospital at Hyde park corner since the building became unoccupied.
§ Mr. John PattenThe building became unoccupied in June 1980 since when security costs of some £60,000 a year have been shared between the Department and the Grosvenor estate which owns approximately half of the site.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps he is taking in connection with water penetration which has recurred on all floors at the former St. George's hospital at Hyde park corner; and what is the cost of putting this right;
(2) what steps he is taking at St. George's hospital at Hyde park corner to repair severe leaking in the roof, to replace stolen roof coverings and flashings, to repair damage done by vandalism and to remedy the general neglect consequent upon it having been empty for several years; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 7 June at column273. We will keep the need for more substantial repair work under review, having regard to the likelihood of the conclusion of negotiations for the sale of the Department's interest in the site. The cost of such work would be dependent on its precise nature.