Written question asked by George Osborne (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many gyms are available to staff in the Department; and what the cost of providing them was in the last year for which figures are available. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many gyms are available to staff in the Department; and what the cost of providing them was in the last year for which figures are available. [204377] Alun Michael: The Department has five gymnasiums on its estate. These make an important contribution to the health and well-being of Defra staff but it is difficult to reflect this in terms of monetary value. The cost of these for the year 2003-04 is £82,500 for rent and rates although some are located in basement areas with limited alternative uses. There would also be an unquantifiable cost for utilities. The gymnasiums are run by the members who pay from their own resources for equipment, training and any other operational charges.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 204377; 428 c1347-8W;428 c1347W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Costs Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Government departments Facilities Sports Gyms
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk