§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Scotland.
§ Mr. MellishI talked to most of my staff in Edinburgh and saw a good cross-section of the very varied projects they are undertaking in the Edinburgh and Rosyth areas. I also met a number of clients for whom we build.
I was very impressed with the high quality of the work, and so are our clients. A programme, which includes in the areas that I visited such varied and sophisticated work as a Nuclear Submarine Refuelling Complex, new Courts for the Court of Session, a unique Plant House at the Royal Botanic Garden, and a new decorated ceiling for the Long Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is indicative of the opportunities my Ministry offers to professional and technical staffs to do interesting and worthwhile design and construction work for Scotland in Scotland.
I was able to satisfy myself that my Scottish Headquarters enjoys as much autonomy as is practicable and maintains a very close liaison with the Departments of the Secretary of State.
At a meeting of my Joint Advisory Panel for the Construction Industry in Scotland, I was able to learn at first hand their views on future prospects for their 353W industry. I satisfied myself that through the regular meetings of the Panel, I am kept fully advised of Scottish problems as they arise.