To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the annual accommodation cost of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has been in each year since it was established, broken down into expenditure on (a) Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency and (b) Ofqual; and what premises were used. (254543)

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) was established in October 1997. Accounts for the authority during its first six months of operation (1 October 1997 to 31 March 1998) can be provided only at a disproportionate cost and are not included within this response.

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill will seek to evolve QCA into a Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA), and establish Ofqual on a statutory basis as the new independent regulator of qualifications and assessment. Ofqual has been established in interim form under existing legislation since April 2008. Until proposed legislation comes into force, both the remaining parts of QCA and Ofqual, in its interim form, jointly occupy premises in London, Coventry and Belfast.

Annual costs of rent, rates and utilities to QCA (including Ofqual) from the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2008 are shown in the following table.

Premises occupied by QCA (including Ofqual) from the period 1 April 1998 to March 2008 are as follows:

Properties occupied by QCA since 1998

83 Piccadilly, London, W1J 8QA

Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB

Glendinning House, 6 Murray Street, Belfast, BT1

222 Euston Road, London NW1

Unity House, 205 Euston Road, London NW1

Stephenson House, 158-160 North Gower Street, London NW1

Newcombe House, 45 Notting Hill Gate, London W11

Source: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA): February 2009