§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the total refurbishment bill for properties used by his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) related public bodies, for (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [69201]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 8 February 1999]: The information set out relates to properties used by The Scottish Office and its Associated Departments and Agencies with the exception of the Scottish Prison Service for which figures could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The total refurbishment cost for the years requested are:
Refurbishment £ Department Agencies 1996–97 55,896 13,652,426 1997–98 56,323 7,219,740 1998–99 5,130,000 3,712,777 1999–2000 9,600,000 9,526,520 The refurbishment work has been carried out on a range of buildings, offices and specialist facilities and has been necessary either to preserve the fabric of the buildings or to bring systems up to a modern standard. Increased expenditure by The Scottish Office mainly relates to refurbishment of St. Andrew's House, and the buildings associated with the interim Parliament accommodation. The greater part of the expenditure under Agencies relates to the refurbishment of court buildings.
From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the properties of his Department, agencies and public bodies which are currently vacant; how long he expects each to be vacant for; and what is the estimated annual cost of maintaining the properties in a vacant state. [69200]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 8 February 1999]: The information set out relates to vacant properties which are owned by The Scottish Office and its Associated Departments and Agencies.
Information about vacant properties owned by other public bodies is not held centrally.
The information is as follows:
57W
Estimated date for occupation/disposal Annual cost Corsankell Farmhouse (A78) This scheme is subject to the Strategic Trunk Road Review, therefore it is not known at this stage when disposal will occur. Shore Street, Macduff October 2001 £2,870pa Agencies SASA 3 cottages Turnover of staff often results in short term vacancies £350 each Scottish Court Service Portcullis House, Glasgow (part) March 2001 £83k in 1998–99 £79k in 1999–2000 From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.