§ 75. Mr. ERNEST BROWNasked the First Commissioner of Works if he has any statement to make with regard to the proposed changes in public buildings in Edinburgh; and, if so, whether he can state the estimated cost of those changes?
§ Mr. PALING (Lord of the Treasury)Negotiations are at present proceeding with the Edinburgh Town Council for the acquisition of a site for the sheriff court house, but I am not yet in a position to state the cost involved. When I am in such a position, I will let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. E. BROWNWill the hon. Member indicate to his right hon. Friend that there is a considerable body of opinion which hopes that the sheriff court will not be moved and that Lord Clyde will withdraw his opposition to the erection of the national library on this site?
§ Mr. MATHERSWill the hon. Member indicate to the First Commissioner of Works that there is a body of opinion which believes that the First Commissioner is responsible to some extent for forcing the erection of the library on the George IV Bridge site, and will he take steps to remove that impression from the public mind?
§ Mr. HARDIESince the people of Edinburgh cannot agree, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the removal of the library to Glasgow?
§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARWill the First Commissioner of Works give an undertaking that no final decision will be arrived at until a fuller expression of opinion has been received from the citizens of Edinburgh?
§ Mr. PALINGI will convey that request to my right hon. Friend.