§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have decided to acquire a new Consul General's residence in San Francisco; and, if so, on what basis that decision was reached. [HL3270]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Yes. The Government have decided to acquire a new residence for the Consul General in San Francisco at Presidio Heights, and to sell the existing residence. This decision was taken on the basis that the existing residence is larger and more expensive than we need. The new residence will meet well the operational requirements of the post, offer better value for money and will make a net contribution to the FCO's stretched capital funds—required for Estate, IT and security modernisation.
§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any Government Minister has visited San Francisco or Los Angeles for the purposes of the decision on whether to replace the Consul General's residence in San Francisco; and, if so, when that visit took place. [HL3271]
32WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanNo government Minister has visited San Francisco or Los Angeles on estate matters. The Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Sir Michael Jay, visited San Francisco in October 2001 and concluded that sale of the present residence was the right decision. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Mr Rammell), has recently examined the papers, held a series of meetings with officials and concluded that the sale should proceed.
§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether British Trade International believes that the new Consul General's residence in San Francisco will meet its needs. [HL3272]
§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed new residence in San Francisco for the Consul General is capable of hosting functions of a size and style commensurate with those held in the existing residence. [HL3273]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIt was never the intention to replace the present residence with one of equal size. That is not necessary; and there is no realistic possibility of the FCO finding the funds to renovate and maintain the present residence as it should be. I am satisfied that the new residence at Presidio Heights will offer the Consul General the opportunity to host functions of the size and style needed to achieve his objectives at a cost that the taxpayer can afford.
§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the economic basis on which the decision to relocate the Consul General's residence in San Francisco will be made, including the dates of any property valuations used in the evaluation. [HL3274]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe case for the sale was based on current property valuations and the best available projections about the future course of the San Francisco property market. The team concluded that sale of the present residence and its replacement by a smaller building was financially advantageous, and would make a net contribution to FCO resources.