(2) What is the Government's understanding in relation to the current usage of the block.

(3) What action is the Government proposing to ensure compliance with the residential lease.

(1) The residence on this block is vacant, and it has been for some time, quite possibly several years, although, the precise time is unknown.

(2) The lease for this block was varied in 1988 by an interim order of the Supreme Court under Section 11A of the City Area Lease Act 1936. This order varied the lease purpose from residential to commercial permitting: offices; professional suites; carparking and a caretaker's flat. The final order in relation to this variation was not granted in the Supreme Court until 23 June 1995. I understand that a long illness and subsequent death of the principal lessee caused the delay. Following an application for a further lease, on 19 May 1998 the lease was surrendered and re-issued to grant a further lease for a further 99 years.

(3) A proponent on behalf of the Lessee Company has discussed options for redeveloping the site, however, no proposal has resulted from these discussions at this stage. The Director of the Lessee Company is confident that a proposal will be forthcoming in the year 2000. In the meantime the lessee has security surveillance of the site and does regular ground maintenance. The property has not been the subject of any compliance action for breaches of land and planning regulations.

Territory Plan variation number 96 is currently with the Urban Services Standing Committee. This proposes to permit commercial uses at the rear of this block and if passed by the Assembly would be an incentive for redevelopment of this area