Lord Belhaven and Stentonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made in their plans to redevelop the MoD main building in Whitehall.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)As indicated in an Answer given by my honourable friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement on 28 October, 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, 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 PFI deal that is negotiated will not prejudice the security of its principal headquarters in any respect.