HC Deb 18 December 1986 vol 107 c677W
Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on how many individual units of property and land at the present time held by the West Yorkshire Residury Body, have been empty and not fully occupied since the abolition of West Yorkshire metropolitan county council; and what is the estimated loss of revenue returns from such properties not being occupied;

(2) if he will make a statement on the percentage increase of rented properties held by the West Yorkshire Residuary Body, as a proportion of property within the Wakefield metropolitan district council area;

(3) if he will make a statement on the total receipts received from the disposal and sale of property and land by the West Yorkshire Residuary Body since its inception to the present date.

Mr. Chope

I have no information on these matters. They are issues for the residuary body.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on how many individual units of property and land have been transferred to the Wakefield metropolitan district council by the West Yorkshire Residuary Body with his approval under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985.

Mr. Chope

To date, no section 67 order has been made under the Local Governement Act 1985 relating to the West Yorkshire area.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the dates of meetings and discussions that took place between his Department and the chairman and officials of the West Yorkshire Residuary Body regarding the future use of County Hall, Wakefield; and when it was decided not to implement section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985, in relation to the possible sale of County Hall to the private sector.

Mr. Chope

I met the chairman and officers of the WYRB on 6 October 1986. I also took the opportunity of looking round County Hall when I was in Wakefield on 23 October. There have been a number of meetings between my officials and officers of the WYRB. I understand that County Hall is now being marketed by the residuary body for the benefit of all the ratepayers of West Yorkshire; they have not therefore applied for an order under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985.