§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the(a) annual cost and (b) total value of the empty properties owned by (i) his Department, (ii) his agencies and (iii) other public bodies for which he has responsibility, in (A) 1995–96, (B) 1996–97, (C) 1997–98 to date and (D) 1997–98 full year. [26663]
384W
§ Mr. Fatchett[holding answer 5 February 1998]: The cost to the FCO for empty or under-utilised properties in the UK has been: (A) 1995–96: £178,617; (B) 1996–97: £131,051; (C) 1997–98: £541,500 and (D) 1997–98 full year projection: £770,162. 1997–98 figures include the Old Admiralty Building in Central London which was vacated in November 1997 pending refurbishment beginning this month.
The FCO's Agency Wilton Park, has no empty or under-utilised properties.
In respect of the Overseas Estate and FCO's non-Departmental public bodies, the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.