§ 27. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the conduct of his officials in relation to the dismissal of the arehitects of the proposed Edinburgh Opera House.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI announced last year that the Government were prepared to contribute a very large grant to the building of the Opera House in Edinburgh on the basis that the project is carried through successfully and without delay. My officials have subsequently assisted with advice to Edinburgh Corporation, whose responsibility this project is and with whom any contractual relationship with the arehitects lies. At the corporation's request they took part in discussions with Sir William Kininmonth.
I understand that while the corporation has now asked Sir William's firm to complete the feasibility study in which it has been engaged, it has terminated his commission in view of the need to appoint arehitects with greater resources to carry out the main services for this major project. I regret that this has caused disappointment to Sir William but what has happened does not imply any reflection on the professional ability of his firm. It remains the duty of the corporation and myself, however, to ensure that the project is carried out successfully and without delay.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat hard evidence is there that these arehitects did not have adequate resources?
§ Mr. CampbellThe number of professional arehitects in the firm and the fact that no firm could be expected to be wholly devoted to one project. The technical advice was what caused the corporation to take this action.