§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated amount to be spent in 1993–94 in rent and other costs associated with the offices of her Department in Whitehall place, London.
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 28 October 1993]: The properties in Whitehall place occupied by the Ministry are Crown freeholds. However, under internal Government recharging arrangements, the Ministry pays rent for them to the Exchequer. The Ministry is also required to pay contributions in lieu of rates to the Valuation Office agency of the Inland Revenue. Additionally, responsibility for all maintenance and refurbishment of these buildings has been devolved to the Ministry. Estimated expenditure in 1993–94 is as follows.
£ Running Costs Rent 4,322,199 Contributions in Lieu of Rates 1,166,020 Facilities Management including maintence and cleaning 612,000 Furnishings 230,000 Utilities 104,000 Capital Costs Refurbishment 1,072,000 TOTAL 7,506,219