§ 33. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the present delays in proceeding with the Tweed-bank development.
§ Mr. Dickson MabonThe owners of some 190 acres of land, which forms a large part of the Tweedbank site, have appealed to the Court of Session for an order quashing the Darnick Compulsory Purchase Order, 1968, made by Roxburgh County Council and confirmed by my right hon. Friend last August. As the matter is sub judice, it would not be right for me to make any statement at the present time.
§ Mr. SteelWithout going into the merits or demerits of the action, what estimate have the Government made of the likely delay occasioned by the appeal and perhaps an appeal to the House of Lords thereafter?
§ Dr. MabonThat is difficult to say. It is the intention of my right hon. Friend to contest the appeal. It is also our view that, although nothing can happen on the ground, detailed planning for the 1309 development should be taken to the most advanced stage possible.