HC Deb 12 May 1988 vol 133 cc247-8W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the target to have 70 per cent. of all National Health Service properties in an adequate position was set.

Mrs. Currie

[holding answer 11 May 1988]The target was set in July 1985.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer of 5 May,Official Report, column 549, he will identify the 2 per cent. of National Health Service property not currently held to be in an adequate condition but which it is intended to improve; what plans have been made to ensure that it is in an adequate condition with the estimated dates of completion; and if he will give the estimated cost of each such scheme.

Mrs. Currie

[holding answer 11 May 1988]The National Health Service estate comprises some 12,000 major sites and each site may have several buildings. Centrally we do not collect information about the condition of each building. It is for individual health authorities to identify and remedy particular deficiencies as part of their ongoing estate management functions. In 1985–86 64 per cent. and in 1986–87 68 per cent. of the property was in adequate condition. If that trend continues we can expect the NHS to have achieved the 70 per cent. target during 1987–88. The figures for 1987–88 will not be available before February 1989.