JACK Straw today said he preferred living in his family home in London rather than accepting any of the official residences offered to him as a Cabinet Minister - even if it meant sharing on occasions with his predecessor, Robin Cook!

The new Foreign Secretary spoke about his housing arrangements after Mr Cook was allowed to stay in the Carlton Gardens flat that normally goes with the job.

Blackburn MP Mr Straw said: "Robin and I have been friends for 20 years.

"I have a very pleasant family home in South London. When I was appointed Home Secretary, I was asked if I wanted to move into the house that goes with the job and I said no, I'd rather stay here.

"When I was made Foreign Secretary, I was asked if I wanted to move into Carlton Gardens, and I said no.

"That's why Robin can stay there.

"There are some large rooms on the ground floor which I can use when I need to meet people away from the immediate area of the Foreign Office.

"These rooms will be available when I need them and I don't see a problem.''

Mr Straw still keeps a central Blackburn flat which he stays in every two to three weeks and when he attends Blackburn Rovers matches.

He also has a country cottage in Oxfordshire and it is understood he has accepted use of the palatial Chevening residency that also comes with the Foreign Secretary job.