§ 13. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is 1010 aware that the four-storeyed Sasine Office at Edinburgh is not fitted up with a passenger hoist; that since the War four members of the staff have been carried out dead; that other elderly members of the staff have collapsed through fatigue; that there has been an unduly high proportion of sick-leave arising from the absence of hoist facilities, and that visiting agents have complained of the lack of these facilities; and whether he will take any steps to meet the wishes of the staff and the public on the matter?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)I am aware that a passenger hoist is not provided in the Sasine Office, but on the information before me I am unable to accept the implications contained in the second, third and fourth parts of the question, though there have been complaints from members of the public. The question of the provision of a hoist has been reviewed on several occasions, but raises structural difficulties. I am now in consultation with the Keeper of the Registers and Records and His Majesty's Office of Works on the subject.
§ Mr. JohnstonWill the Secretary of State be prepared to look at the evidence which I have in my possession justifying the signed statement in the question?
§ Mr. ElliotCertainly, Sir.