§ 19. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had regarding the allocation of investment for a proposed new sports complex in Dunfermline; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McElhoneRepresentations have been received from both the former Dunfermline Town Council and the present Dunfermline District Council and my officials have recently discussed with the authority's officials possible modifications of the council's proposals. Whether investment can be allocated for any part of the project in 1976–77 will depend on the total investment available for recreational projects in Scotland, the relative needs of other authorities and the scale of Dunfermline's modified proposals.
§ Mr. HunterI, too, wish to congratulate my hon. Friend on his appointment. Is he aware that the only sports complex in Dunfermline is the public baths building, which is about 80 years old? Is he also aware that the building is unhygienic and, by modern standards, a fire hazard? Will he give a promise that he will visit the building in the near future?
§ Mr. McElhoneI am grateful for my hon. Friend's opening words.
The Dunfermline District Council submitted a report to my Department on 23rd September last. Following that report, the district council has been asked to furnish details of the work necessary to bring 477 the building up to satisfactory standards from a public safety and health point of view. When those proposals are received, they will be urgently considered. As for a visit to the building, my hon. Friend knows that I have been a guest in his area on other occasions and, if I have an opportunity to do so in the near future, I shall visit the area again.