Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what studies he has made of the Life Association building in Princes Street, Edinburgh, 211W with a view to finding a use for it by his Department without destroying its facade; and what conclusions he has reached regarding the desirability of ensuring its preservation on grounds of architectural merit.
§ Mr. MellishThe developers offered my Department space in a part of a new building or space in an adaptation of the accommodation behind the existing facade. As neither proposition would provide economical accommodation for any Government use, both were declined. Although no offer was made to us to lease the building as it stands, we considered possible Government uses for it but decided that none would be economical. Preservation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.