HC Deb 18 February 1998 vol 306 cc706-7W
Ms Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the overall cost of relocation of Fife Health Board from Glenrothes to Cupar; and what were the costs of relocation broken down into those of (i) removal, (ii) redecoration, (iii) office equipment and furniture, carpets, curtains and other furnishings and telephone and computer systems and (iv) relocation of staff; [29143]

(2) what has been the cost of maintaining Fife Health Board's Glenrothes site since 1993; [29144]

(3) if he will estimate the costs of returning Fife Health Board's offices to Glenrothes. [29145]

Mr. Galbraith

Fife Health Board has indicated that the overall cost of relocating Fife Health Board from Glenrothes to Cupar was £901,000 comprising:

£000
Building/Structural costs 655
IT Network costs 70
Removal costs 37
Staff excess travel 139
Total 901

Redecoration and office equipment are included within the total building/structural costs. The telephone system was transferred from Glenrothes House.

The Health Board has indicated that the cost of maintaining Glenrothes House over the three financial years 1994–95 to 1996–97 was £870,000. This is the net cost after recharges to the sub-tenants. This building has been used during this period for a number of Fife Health Board activities.

I understand that the Health Board is currently considering its future requirements for Headquarters' office accommodation and has set up a working group under the Chairmanship of one of the non-executive Directors to further consider this issue. While the Health Board had previously given some consideration to a possible relocation back to Glenrothes House, no final decision has been made. The Health Board estimates the costs of relocation to Glenrothes House at around £860,000.