§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which company undertook the valuation of the Crown premises at Richmond yard; and what was the cost to the Government of that valuation;
(2) what estimate the Property Services Agency has made of the cost of undertaking the valuation of the Crown premises at Richmond yard by in-house staff;
(3) why the valuation of the Crown property at Richmond yard was carried out by a private company.
§ Mr. Chope[holding answer 1 March 1988]: The valuation of the Crown premises at Richmond yard was undertaken by Messrs. Cluttons, chartered surveyors. The fee for the service was negotiated on a strictly commercial and therefore confidential basis. The decision to appoint a private sector valuer was made in view of the importance of establishing the true commercial rent for the property. No in-house assessment was made.