§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last had discussions with the London Residuary Body on plans for the disposal of county hall; what plans he expects to go ahead; what are the reasons for the delays in disposal which have occurred; what is the current state of the buildings; and if he will list the names of those various prospective purchasers which need to apply to his Department for final approval.
§ Mr. Curry[holding answer 15 July 1993]My right hon. Friend has not as yet had any discussions with the London Residuary Body, but the Department is in regular contact with it. The riverside building of county hall has already been sold. Discussions are going ahead with various parties over the sale of the remaining buildings on the site. The conduct of these negotiations is a matter for the residuary body and the identity of those involved is a matter of commercial confidence. There would in fact be no need for prospective purchasers to ask my right hon. Friend for his approval. The state of the buildings is satisfactory and the residuary body ensures that planned routine maintenance is carried out to all the buildings.