§ 54. Mr. Hannahasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make any statement as to the present position in regard to the preservation of the buildings of Taylor's Hall in Edinburgh?
§ Mr. ColvilleFollowing discussions with the National Trust for Scotland. Edinburgh Corporation have stated that they are unwilling to transfer the property outright to the Trust, but that they are prepared to lease it to the Trust for a period of 25 years. I am informed that the Trust are precluded from acquiring properties on lease. In these circumstances. I propose to ask the parties to meet in order to consider whether a satisfactory solution of the difficulty is possible.
§ Mr. HannahIs not the matter very urgent in view of the rapid disintegration of the building; and is not Edinburgh distinguished among all the cities of the world for its indifference to ancient buildings?
§ Mr. ColvilleI can hardly agree with the hon. Member in that view, but I am endeavouring to secure an understanding between the parties in this matter.