HC Deb 22 May 1991 vol 191 cc498-9W
Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science at what price the site of Brighton city technology college, referred to in the answer to the hon. Member for Blackburn of 3 May 1990,Official Report, column 627, is now being offered for sale; what is the difference between that price and the total cost of purchase including agents' and legal fees; and what will be the total anticipated loss to the public purse, after taking account of interest forgone on the moneys used to make the purchase.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The site that was purchased for use as a city technology college in Brighton is being offered for sale with a guide price of £2 million on the advice of agents. The original cost of purchase was £2.3 milion net, in addition to which £54,000 was spent on legal fees. As no sale has yet been agreed for the site, it is not possible to calculate the loss or gain to the public purse as a result of its purchase and resale.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether Mr. Revere was required to repay any interest earned by him, or forgone by the public purse, in respect of the commission charged by him in respect of the purchase of the site of the then proposed Brighton city technology college, referred to in the answer to the hon. Member for Blackburn of 3 May 1990,Official Report, column 627.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No. The commission was repaid in full upon its discovery.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department has been involved in any discussions with the East Sussex police about the charging by Mr. Ivor Revere of commission on the purchase of the site of the then proposed Brighton city technology college; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

My right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State referred the handling of the purchase of the property to the appropriate authorities for investigation. The investigation has been completed and I have been advised that no further action is contemplated by these authorities.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps have been taken to improve the financial control of the city technology college programme following the discovery of financial improprieties in respect of the then proposed Brighton city technology college.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The financial procedures of the CTC programme are subject to continual review and improvement by my Department.