§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much public sector funding the Walton Group Plc received in the last 10 years for re-generating properties in Liverpool; when this funding was approved; for what purpose the moneys were made available; when the expenditure was audited by the relevant authorities; and if he will make a statement. [96469]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe Walton Commercial Group Ltd. (now Walton Group plc) was awarded a grant of £4.5 million in July 1992 towards the refurbishment of the Exchange Flags Building in Liverpool City Centre to provide 400,000 sq. ft. of refurbished office space and a museum. Total grant payments of £4,444,782 were made over the period November 1992 to May 1994 against claimed qualifying expenditure of £23,705,511.
The Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships), acting as agents for the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions, are currently reviewing the project and the use to which the grant has been put.