HC Deb 12 November 1987 vol 122 cc219-20W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the properties owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The properties owned by the Duchy or in which the Duchy has an interest are as follows:

(a) Estates, predominantly agricultural in nature in the following counties:
County Approximate acreage
Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire 2,865
Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire 13,353
Lancashire 10,920
Yorkshire 9,318
36,456

In addition, the Duchy owns some 15,000 acres of moorland in north Yorkshire and south Wales, most of which are subject to common rights.

The estates include 175 agricultural tenancies and 3,145 acres of woodland.

(b) The freehold of properties in the Manor of Savoy bounded by Lancaster place, the Embankment, Savoy hill and Strand (including the Savoy chapel) and a building at 2–4 Lancaster place to 137 Strand. A substantial part of these properties is let on building leases or equivalent terms, having between 31 and 92 years unexpired. Including the Savoy chapel and its garden (from which no revenue is derived) the acreage totals approximately 2.25.

(c) Miscellaneous commercial properties in Harrogate which include five shops, one hotel and a house now converted to offices. These properties, in the main, are let on occupational leases. There is also the remainder of a residential estate developed over a period of 100 years or so producing 36 ground rents. The freehold reversions are sold to the lessees on terms which follow the provisions of the Leasehold Reform Acts.

(d) Single holdings (eg not forming part of an estate) of commercial property in Leeds, Leicester, Bradford, Lewes and London (other than the Savoy estate). Except for four properties in London which are let on ground rents, these are let on occupational leases.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the items of land and property in the possession of the Duchy of Lancaster which are leased, giving in each case the financial benefit to the Duchy.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

All properties owned by the Duchy are let under lease (unless temporarily vacant pending re-letting) except for properties occupied by the Duchy in the course of managing its own business, and for woodlands.

The total number of lettings (including wayleaves and minor interests) exceeds 850.

The gross income before the deduction of repairing and insuring costs borne by the Duchy, and before management costs, may be summarised as follows:

£
Agricultural estates, miscellaneous residential lettings; mineral and sporting rents 1,860,167
Commercial properties, whether let on occupational leases or ground rents (including those located within the agricultural estates) 1,055,430
2,915,597

The figures are as audited to 29 September 1986. The total unaudited figure to 29 September 1987 is £3,054,203.

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