§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the reasons for the cost exceeding the estimates for the new headquarters in Aberdeen of the North-East Fire Brigade.
§ Mr. RossI have been informed by the North-Eastern Fire Area Joint Board that the increase of some £48,500 in the cost of the first phase of this scheme was due to the provision of additional storage accommodation, an increase in the height of the building to accommodate modern turntable ladders, the addition of professional fees, and increases in pay and prices between June, 1960, and July, 1963. The increase of some £55,000 in the second phase was due principally to the addition of professional fees, but also to unforeseen increases in pay and prices between the time of the first estimate in May, 1964, and completion of the scheme in March, 1968.