§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government are considering proposals for the payment of rent for buildings used by(a) the National Health Service, (b) the police forces, (c) the armed forces and (d) the Prime Minister.
§ The Prime MinisterThe White Paper "Working for Patients" (Cm. 555) set out the Government's plans to introduce a system for charging health authorities for the use of their existing capital assets and any new capital investment. The charging system will be designed to provide a strong incentive for the efficient use of assets while ensuring that there is no reduction in the funds available for patient services. Rent, in the form of property repayment service, is already paid on the civil estate, including 10 Downing street. In the case of the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence, as part of its new management strategy, is considering how best to ensure that budget holders make the best use of defence buildings. Payment of rent for buildings occupied by the police service is a matter for the police authorities.