HC Deb 04 August 1971 vol 822 cc1570-1
22. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet given his permission for the demolition of Edinburgh Haymarket Station frontage, scheduled as being of architectural and historic interest.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

An application for consent to demolish the building would fall to be considered in the first instance by Edinburgh Corporation, as the local planning authority.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Did my right hon. Friend see the rather ominous reports in the Edinburgh newspapers last week about proposals to erect blocks of 20 or more storeys, which would be totally inappropriate in this area, which I agree needs development? Will he watch this matter with great care to see that the City is not destroyed?

Mr. Campbell

I am aware of reports that have appeared in the Press, and I assure my hon. Friend that I will watch this matter very closely.