§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he plans to legislate for the closure of Osborne House convalescent home. [141536]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 11 December 2000]: The Culture and Recreation Bill, which received its First Reading in the other place on 14 December 2000, includes a provision to end my obligation to use parts of Osborne House and grounds for the benefit of members of the armed forces and the civil service. In practice, this obligation has been met, until recently, through the provision of the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for Officers which closed on 31 October 2000. The exterior of the accommodation is currently being repaired and refurbished, which excludes an immediate alternative use.