§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which of the sites formerly used as skills centres have so far been sold by the Skills Training Agency; and how much has been received in total for the sites sold. [15082]
§ Mr. Robin Squire[holding answer 13 February 1996]: The Skills Training Agency was established as a self-contained agency of the former Department of Employment in 1985. It was transferred into the private sector in 1990. In May 1990 the Government completed the sale of 36 skills centre businesses with associated freehold property interests. Professional advisers were appointed to assist the Department with the disposal of the residual property interests.
364WSince May 1990, 15 of the residual sites have been either sold or surrendered to landlords. These were in:
Leicester, Chesterfield, East Lancs, Chelmsford, Leeds, Wakefield, Edinburgh, Southampton, Slough, Reading, Twickenham, Portsmouth, St. Helens, Cardiff, Deptford.Where an outright sale could not be affected, despite prolonged marketing, properties were offered for subletting. Five properties are currently sublet, wholly or in part.
The total amount received for sales and leases is £14,731,372.