Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 February 2003. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Friday, 28 February 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his latest estimate is of the value of British Council property in (a) Madrid and (b) Barcelona, in terms of (i) market value and (ii) same use market value; what use is made of these properties; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his latest estimate is of the value of British Council property in (a) Madrid and (b) Barcelona, in terms of (i) market value and (ii) same use market value; what use is made of these properties; and if he will make a statement. [98388] Mr. MacShane: The British Council is currently reviewing a range of options for its estate in Spain and so regards the current market value of its Spanish properties as commercially sensitive. My noble Friend the Baroness Symons, the Minister responsible for the British Council will therefore write on a personal basis to the hon. Member, with the information he has requested. The properties in Madrid and Barcelona function as the offices of the British Council in those cities, including school and teaching operations.

Secondary information