§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to develop and construct new premises in the Paisley area for the executive agencies responsible to his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtPlans to develop new premises in the Paisley area for the executive agencies of the Department of Social Security are matters for the chief executives of those agencies. Mr Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency will reply on their behalf to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Gordon McMaster, dated 27 January 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency (BA), it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about plans to develop and construct new premises in the Paisley area for the Department's Executive Agencies.Of all the Department's Executive Agencies, including the planned Child Support Agency from April 1993, only the BA has plans to construct new premises in the Paisley area. It is planned that the building, in addition to BA staff, will also house staff from the Contributions Agency and Child Support Agency.An application for planning consent has been lodged with Renfrew District Council and, subject to a satisfactory outcome, the sale of the site for the new office in Paisley, to replace the existing Social Security office, will then be concluded. It is hoped that matters will be cleared within the next six to eight weeks.Funds are available for the construction of the new building and a start on site is expected immediately the site purchase is completed.On current estimates the building should be ready for occupation by late 1994.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.