HC Deb 24 January 1994 vol 236 c36W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will publish the guidance given by his Department to the estate agent responsible for the sale of the former Fitzherbert school site, Brighton.

Mr. Robin Squire

As owner of the site the CTC trust instructed agents for sale.

Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if the former Fitzherbert school site Brighton was sold to the organisation submitting the highest offer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

After taking professional advice, the Department was satisfied that sale of the former Fitzherbert school site was achieved on the most favourable terms available.

Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many occasions(a) he, (b) his civil servants or (c) the city technology college trust met with Mr. John Spiers to discuss the future use of the former Fitzherbert school site, Brighton.

Mr. Robin Squire

I understand that the then Secretary of State met Mr. Spiers on 19 May 1989, together with Mr. Ivor Revere who was the principal potential sponsor, to discuss the proposal to establish a CTC in Brighton. I am not aware of any other meeting with Ministers, but officials and staff of the CTC trust met Mr. Spiers and others interested in the project on various occasions before the Government withdrew their support in April 1990.