§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his Department's plans to redevelop the MOD main building in Whitehall. [7272]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotAs indicated in an answer that I gave on 28 October,Official Report, column 27, it is my Department's intention to examine private finance options for the redevelopment and subsequent operation of main building. The objectives are to replace building services now at the end of their economic life, and to provide a modern working environment and maximum utilisation of space and flexibility for the future.
As the first stage in the procurement process, advertisements inviting expressions of interest from the private sector will be placed in the 11 December edition of the MOD bulletin "Works Services Opportunities" and in the national press. Further progress will depend on the response from the private sector, the refinement of proposals during 1997 and identification of options for achieving best value for money. My Department will ensure that any private finance initiative deal that is negotiated will not prejudice the security of its principal headquarters in any respect.