HC Deb 03 July 1968 vol 767 cc1474-5
5. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has made for the continuation of the seed testing work done at East Craigs, Corstorphine, in the light of the approval which he has given to the recommendation that the land at East Craigs should be developed for building.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Norman Buchan)

The buildings at East Craigs will continue to fulfil their present functions including those of seed testing. Field work will be carried out on other state-owned land which will more amply meet the needs of the station.

Mr. Stodart

Can the hon. Gentleman give us indication where that is to take place? Can he say how he managed to ignore the statement made in the report that East Craigs is of great scientific importance to the nation and should not be disturbed under any circumstances?

Mr. Buchan

The alternative place is only 2½ miles away. It is attached to Gogarburn Hospital. The existing land was too small for their needs and, to expand, we have moved to a large area, where there are 200 acres instead of 90 acres, which again fulfils the needs put forward in the report.