To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what area of office space his Department and its agencies used in central London in (a) 2004 and (b) 2006; and if he will make a statement. (112181)

In 2004, the Ministry of Defence's office space in central London amounted to a total net internal area of 148,000m²; of which 55,000m² was leased and 93,000m² owned. By 2006 the figures had reduced to a total of 99,000m²; of which 16,000m² was leased and 83,000m² owned.

During 2004, the main building redevelopment was completed and the building reoccupied, allowing the closure of a number of buildings used as decant accommodation and an overall reduction in the number of MOD office buildings in central London from seven to three. This reflects the progress the Department has made to reduce the size of the London estate, while maintaining the efficient and effective delivery of defence objectives.