§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons are for the length of time taken by the Home Office to decide whether to use the former Department of the Environment buildings at Marsham Street, London SW1. [105499]
§ Mr. StrawThe reason is the overriding need to examine the options carefully on the basis of which provides the best value for money.
The future of the Marsham Street site rests on the outcome of a public private partnership project to provide modern offices for Home Office and Prison Service staff. The procurement competition was restarted last October after a strategic review of overall Government Office accommodation in the Westminster area.
Proposals from the private sector, including demolition of Marsham Street, are expected shortly. Subject to their evaluation, and the continuing demonstration of value for money, I expect to be in a position to select a Preferred Bidder by mid-year. After a period of negotiations, award of contract would follow towards the end of this year.
As the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney), informed the hon. Member in his reply of 6 December 1999, Official Report, column 395W, the Home Office has assumed management responsibility for Marsham Street pending final decisions on the future of the site.