HC Deb 02 March 1998 vol 307 cc491-2W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the cost of buildings refurbishment carried out by his Department in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 to date and (d) 1997–98 full year; and if he will make a statement. [26590]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 5 February 1998]: The cost of building refurbishment carried out by the Department is as follows:

  1. 1995–96: £9,690,000
  2. 1996–97: £5,380,000
  3. 1997–98 to date: £5,490,000
  4. 1997–98 full year: £6,260,000.

It is necessary to have a constant programme of building refurbishment to modernise buildings, to replace building services which have reached the end of their lives, to redecorate them, and to improve their energy efficiency. The expenditure above covers thirty buildings.