Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to sell the health centre in Armagh; what plans he has for the property to be advertised for sale to the public; and if he will make a statement on the procedures which apply to the sale of publicly owned properties.
§ Mr. AncramThe general medical practitioners working in Armagh health centre have expressed an interest in buying the premises. The proposal is being considered by the Southern health and social services board and is subject to approval by the Department of Health and Social Services. If the proposal is approved the premises would be sold at a price advised by the district valuer.
A sale in these circumstances would result in a change of ownership but a continuation of the general medical services currently provided from the health centre. The sale would not therefore be advertised on the open market, nor would it be subject to the normal policy and procedural guidelines for dealing with the disposal of surplus Government land which are contained in DOE (NI) lands service circular No. LSC/1/91. A copy of the said circular has been placed in the Library.