PRESS RELEASE

6 December 2002

Ottaway expresses concern over plans to sell Cane Hill to a developer

Richard Ottaway, Conservative Member of Parliament for Croydon South, has expressed concern over plans to sell Cane Hill to a developer (see written answer below.).

Richard Ottaway says:-

"For many years this site has been owned by the Health Service and we have always assumed they have wanted to build a medium secure unit. It is not clear from this answer what the future holds for Cane Hill and I am pressing the Minister for clarification".

ENDS

For further information please call 020 7219 6392.

Cane Hill

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he is in negotiations with a third party over the future of Cane Hill, Coulsdon; and if he will make a statement. [80786]

Mr. Lammy: The Cane Hill site at Coulsdon is included in the one-off-sale. A preferred party has been selected for the one-off sale portfolio, which includes the Cane Hill site.

It is intended to conclude this one-off sale of the Secretary of State's retained estate as soon as possible. With a number of sites included within the portfolio, there is a need for a substantial and detailed negotiation before contracts can be exchanged.

25 Nov 2002 : Column 132W