HC Deb 18 January 1978 vol 942 cc436-7
10. Mr Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in converting the Royal High School in Edinburgh for the proposed Scottish Assembly; and what is the value of the work still to be completed.

Mr. Harry Ewing

The work described in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Gourlay) on 7th April 1977 is expected to be completed by the spring. About £500,000 has still to be spent on this work.

Mr. Knox

How does the cost of the work already completed compare with the estimates?

Mr. Ewing

The work already completed has £500,000 to be spent on it. The additional work to be done can best be explained by pointing out that a balance of £1,250,000 is still available between the £2 million already announced and the £3.25 million declared in the explanatory and financial memorandum.

Mr. Reid

If the Government are providing a largely "get-you-in" service until the Assembly can decide whether it will be a Committee or Chamber-based legislature, what is the earliest date by which Westminster's share of the work can be completed?

Mr. Ewing

I should make it clear that the only service that I am interested in providing to the SNP is a "get-you-out", not a "get-you-in", service.

We are confident that the premises will be ready for taking over by the Assembly when the people of Scotland have had their say on the devolution proposals.

Mr. Dalyell

If the service that my hon. Friend is interested in providing is "get-them-out", why on earth does he spend his time supporting devolution?

Mr. Ewing

In view of your appeal for short answers, Mr. Speaker, I shall not become involved in that matter.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Have the Government considered alternative uses for the building in the event of the people of Scotland saying "No"?

Mr. Ewing

All possibilities are continually under consideration.