Ministerial Corrections
Tuesday 5 May 2009
House of Commons Commission
14 Tothill Street
Mrs. Spelman: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission for how many months the offices at 14 Tothill Street have been empty; for what reasons the offices have been empty; and what the cost of (a) rent and (b) business rates during this period has been. [257557]
[Official Report, 9 March 2009, Vol. 489, c. 25W.]
Letter of correction from Nick Harvey:
An error has been identified in a written answer given to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 9 March 2009. The answer incorrectly stated that the rent-free period was 12 months. The rent-free period is six months. In addition it incorrectly implied that the Memorandum of Understanding was already in place whereas it is in fact yet to be agreed. The answer should have read as follows:
Nick Harvey: The building was acquired following a property search to meet a need from the House of Lords for decant space to facilitate the development of the Millbank Island site and a requirement for additional space from the House of Commons. The property search had revealed a dearth of suitable accommodation at that time within an acceptable distance of the Palace of Westminster, 14 Tothill street being the only one available with sufficient space that met the criteria.
The lease commenced in October 2007. It is held by the House of Commons and a Memorandum of Understanding will cover the House of Lords' use of part of the building and the facilities.
When acquired it had been refurbished by the landlord ready for fitting out, including services, by the tenant. The initial six months were rent-free, reflecting the sort of period that would be needed for any tenant to bring the building into beneficial use. Work on the floors to be occupied by the House of Lords is timed to be completed for the return of the House from the summer adjournment and the move of the Law Lords to the new Supreme Court building. A decision will be taken this month on the occupation of the House of Commons' space. The decision will be based on the need to free up 1 Derby Gate for occupation by Members as recommended by the Administration Committee.
The Commons share of the total rent paid to date, including the current quarter, is £2.38 million (including VAT). Business rates are not due until the property is occupied.
Transport
Rolling Stock
Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2009, Official Report, column 1612W, on rolling stock, when the remaining 227 carriages will be ordered; and to which operators they will be allocated. [264203]
[Official Report, 18 March 2009, Vol. 489, c. 1152W.]
Letter of correction from Paul Clark:
An error has been identified in a written answer given to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond) on 18 March 2009. The correct answer should have been:
Paul Clark: The remaining 327 carriages for High Level Output Specification (HLOS) capacity are made up of the growth element of the Thameslink build which is due to be ordered in 2009-10, and is identified in the Official Report, column 1612W.
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