The question session focused on the urgent funding requirements for repairs to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's overseas estate. Edward Morello of the Liberal Democrats opened with a query about collaboration with the Chancellor to source funding. This was critical given the overseas properties' maintenance costs, estimated at £250 million annually.

In response, Catherine West highlighted the current prioritization of safety and security measures for both staff and visitors, emphasizing the commitment to the diplomatic mission essential to the Government. She clarified ongoing discussions with the Treasury as part of the spending review process.

Further scrutiny by Morello revealed the Department's acute funding issues due to the depletion of asset sale revenues. His probing underlined the necessity for developing a sustainable funding approach and the potential implications of Treasury reluctance, likely leading to departmental cuts.

Catherine West provided insight into the FCDO's strategic shift by introducing an 'estates prioritization tool' to allocate limited resources effectively. This tool focuses on health and safety, and security, pointing towards a refined approach post the 2010 asset sales.

Throughout, the debate underscored critical challenges in sustainable funding for diplomatic properties, questioning the long-term resilience of resource allocation in an era post-asset sales.