§ Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the negotiations to house 174W the Welsh Assembly in the Temple of Peace and Health.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I have decided not to proceed with plans to house the Welsh Assembly in the Temple of Peace and Health. The United Nations Associations, which occupies part of the building, would not release the required space in its part of the building except at a rental which we considered excessive. I am glad to say that very satisfactory accommodation can be provided, with the owners' agreement, at the Exchange, Mountstuart Square, Cardiff, and detailed plans for the conversion are being prepared. The capital outlay is expected to be of the order of £2.8 million, and taking account of continuing and other relevant costs the total commitment is expected to be broadly the same as that for the Temple project. I have placed copies of a booklet showing the proposed general layout of the Assembly building in the Library.