§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are his plans for the development of a new Paisley office; and when he expects works to commence and be completed.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe development of local Benefits Agency offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what new-build or capital works were undertaken in relation to the Johnstone office in each year since 1980; and what was the value of these works;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the amount spent on (a) furniture and fittings, (b) interior decorations, (c) carpeting and floor coverings and (d) works associated with office redesign at the Johnstone office in each year since 1980.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe information requested is in the table.
New build/Capital works Office redesign works £ Maintenance (external fabric improvements) £ 1985–86 nil 1,821 1986–87 nil 734 1987–88 nil 3,501 1988–89 12,714 1,084 1989–90 268,000 2,885 1990–91 358,000 5,161 1 Minor refurbishment 2 Computer installation 3 Combining public waiting areas Figures prior to April 1988 do not include any work projects over £2,500, which were the responsibility of the Department of the Environment.
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Other capital expenditure Furniture and fittings £ Interior decoration £ Carpeting and floor coverings £ 1985–86 nil nil nil 1986–87 nil nil nil 1987–88 nil nil nil 1988–89 nil 9,200 nil 1989–90 26,451 1,000 21,500 1990–91 12,021 nil nil The information which I have provided does not include the years prior to 1985–86 as it is not readily available.
The amount spent on works associated with office redesign has been shown in the new-build/capital figures.