§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been spent buying stone for walls and paved areas, trees, shrubs, tubs and compost for the Richmond house office of the Department of Health and Social Security; and what is the latest estimate for the total cost of the building.
§ Mr. ChopeThe cost of buying stone for paved areas and associated walls and steps around Richmond house was £450,000. The cost of buying trees, shrubs, turf and associated materials was £38,000. The current estimate of the total cost of the project is £41.4 million. This includes some additional work and acceleration costs to ensure DHSS occupation by the end of 1987. As I said in my answer on 8 December 1987 to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mrs. Gorman), at column 97, the final cost will depend on settlement of the final account, including claims still being negotiated.