To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated amount to be spent in 1993–94 in rent and other associated costs for the offices of his Department in John Adam street, London.

The estimated expenditure in this Department for our accommodation at the Adelphi, 1–11 John Adam street, London in 1993–94 is £8·5 million. This figure is composed of rent and maintenance charges paid to Property Holdings and of a contribution in lieu of rates paid to the Crown property unit. This includes some additional space acquired in late 1992 which has helped to implement a major rationalisation programme which has enabled six other buildings to be released from the Government estate.