HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 cc1420-1W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who gave permission for a pop concert and party to be held at county hall, London SE1, on 15 July; what licences were issued; and why the event was cancelled. [35838]

Sir Paul Beresford

The county hall main building is now privately owned by the Shirayama Corporation of Japan. It would be for the owners of the building and the organisers of any event proposed to be held there to obtain any permissions or licences which might be required, and to decide whether to proceed with or to cancel that event.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons the freehold of county hall, London SE1, was transferred to Shirayama Shokusan Co. Ltd.; when this occurred; and what was the amount involved. [35970]

Sir Paul Beresford

The sale to Shirayama Shokusan of a 999-year lease on the riverside building of county hall in October 1993 provided for the transfer to Shirayama of the freehold interest in the building, for a nominal sum—£1—, upon the earlier (i) completion of listed building works, and (ii) transfer of the freehold of the rest of the site.

The freehold of the remainder of the site was subsequently sold to Shirayama in April 1995.