§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of works carried out to the building at 1A Page street, Westminster, since his Department took occupation of it; and what proportion of these costs was met at public expense. [151463]
§ Mr. MorleyWorks carried out by the Department at public expense since we took occupation total £615,883 (including fees for surveyors etc. and VAT). Of this, £228,376 will be recovered from the developer for remedial work which we have carried out on his behalf to minimise disturbance to staff in the building. The non-recoverable work was necessary to provide facilities for the workgroups in the building and to meet the changing needs.
The developer and his contractor continue to be responsible for all external areas of the building (including the glazing) and are responsible for correcting defects. We have no details of the cost of this remedial work, which is not at public expense.
£ million 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 Grant and supplementary credit approvals for capital improvements, catchment plant ect, 71 96 106 114 Emergency response and repair 5 7 — — Other (including storm tide forecasting service) 6 6 8 8 Total 82 109 114 122 These increases provide evidence of the Government's commitment to sustaining flood and coastal defences.