§ 6. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take about the financing of the Opera House in Edinburgh, in view of the inquiry being conducted into this matter by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe corporation recently sent me revised proposals for the project which involve a substantial increase in estimated cost and these I am now considering. According to Press reports, an investigation committee has been appointed by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland but I have no reason to believe that this action has any bearing on my consideration of the corporation's proposals.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the time-scale for this consideration by the Scottish Office?
§ Mr. CampbellI hope to be able to inform the corporation soon about its proposals.
§ Sir J. GilmourWould it not be helpful to have a meeting between the officials of Edinburgh and of Sydney, Australia, in view of Sydney's considerable experience of the cost of building an opera house?
§ Mr. CampbellI agree that one can always benefit from the experience of others. I am also glad to say that there 1269 is good news in Inverness, where a concert hall will, we hope, be completely built within three years.