§ 39. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURNasked the First Commissioner of Works whether there is any probability that any scheme for the construction of new Government buildings in Edinburgh may be approved in the near future; and whether he sees any prospect of agreement among the various persons or bodies in Edinburgh whose opinions are being consulted?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)I am not in a position to give any definite answer to the first part of the question. All I can say is that I have sought the best advice possible and am now hopeful of some agreement being reached.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURNIs it the case that things are being held up by the inability of the people in Edinburgh to agree, and, if their differences cannot be composed, will the Government produce a scheme of their own in view of the urgency of the matter?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI think the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained that it is not exactly a question of urgency, but it will take some time to 1359 work out a new plan and new designs, and until the questions of siting and accommodation and the nature of the buildings have been agreed wall the various people in Edinburgh, there is no real hurry.