asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy with regard to the building of new accommodation in Central London within a three-mile radius from Charing Cross for use by the Civil Service.

It is the Government's policy to disperse Government work from London and thus reduce the need for office accommodation there. As part of this process we also aim to rationalise and concentrate HQ Government office accommodation currently spread over several hundred buildings. Subject to public expenditure policies, this may include some new building and reconstruction of offices in the central area for staff tied to that area.