HC Deb 20 June 1996 vol 279 cc591-2W
Mr. Gallie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made following the periodic revaluation of the NHS estate which was completed last year. [34099]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

One of the requirements of these valuations is to provide an independent estimate of the net current value of newly built property and for property that has become surplus to requirements since the last independent valuation exercise. This allows new property to be valued on a consistent basis with the existing NHS estate, preventing pricing distortions in the NHS internal market, and for the book value of surplus assets to be adjusted to a level that reflects likely net disposal proceeds. These adjustments require submission of trust debt to the consolidated fund and are technical in nature and involve no loss to the Exchequer. Her Majesty's Treasury has today presented a minute to the House giving particulars and the circumstances of the remission which it has approved in principle.