HC Deb 15 May 1987 vol 116 cc402-3W
Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the depository of the West Yorkshire archives service and the notice to quit its premises which it has received from the West Yorkshire residuary body.

Mr. Chope

The depository of the West Yorkshire archives service is located at the Registry of Deeds, Margaret street, Wakefield. The West Yorkshire residuary body has submitted proposals to the Secretary of State under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985 to transfer this property to Wakefield metropolitan district council as lead authority for the West Yorkshire Archives and Archaeology Joint Committee.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many organisations have been sent eviction notices from their properties which formerly belonged to the West Yorkshire metropolitan county council by the West Yorkshire residuary body; on what dates these eviction notices were served; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

None.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many organisations have been given notice to quit by the West Yorkshire residuary body from properties which belonged to the former West Yorkshire metropolitan county council; and if he will identify those organisations and the specific dates of the notices.

Mr. Chope

I understand that four notices to quit have been issued under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 in respect of commercial premises in order to initiate procedures for rent reviews.

The following notices have also been issued in accordance with article 11 of the Local Government Reorganisation (Property etc) Order 1986 (SI 1986 No. 148) terminating user rights: A notice issued on 24 February 1987 to Wakefield metropolitan district council and notices issued on 25 February 1987 to the West Yorkshire police authority, the West Yorkshire fire and civil defence authority and Bradford metropolitan district council in respect of their occupation of parts of County hall, Wakefield. These notices expire on 31 December 1987. A similar notice issued on 17 December 1986 to Wakefield metropolitan district council in respect of the occupation of part of 8–14 St. Johns North, Wakefield, by the archaeology unit. This notice expired on 31 March 1987 and I understand that discussions are proceeding between the residuary body and the council about the vacation of the building.