§ 30. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland his reasons for not ordering a public inquiry into the proposed development of George Square, Edinburgh.
§ Mr. MaclayAs I said in reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Oswald) on Friday, my reasons have been fully explained in published letters. I am sending copies of these letters to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. StodartI wish my right hon. Friend would be a little bit more forthcoming. Does he realise that there are misgivings, which are quite pronounced, in Edinburgh, and for a fair distance round about? He has stated that he has taken advice on this matter from his own technical experts. Will he give an assurance that he called in the technical and structural experts who are advising the National Trust in Scotland and other amenity societies, and that he gave the fullest consideration to their views?
§ Mr. MaclayIf he looks at the letters I think my hon. Friend will realise that I have gone into this matter in great detail. I was, of course, in close consultation with my own technical officers after the meeting that I had with the amenity societies.