Scottish Assembly (Hansard, 10 March 1978)

§ Mr. Millan

In my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Gourlay) on the 7th April 1977—[Vol. 929, c.653–4] I indicated that work on the Royal High School, which had begun in the autumn of 1976, would continue to the point of making the buildings weatherproof and in a good state of external repair, completing the internal construction work, and installing essential services such as heating. This work will be completed in the near future and, together with the purchase price of the buildings, represents a commitent of £2 million.

A further year's work remains to be done to make ready for the Assembly the accommodation it will need. The work includes limited adaptation in St. Andrew's House, further work in the Royal High School and the furnishing and Equipment of both buildings. If contracts for this second stage of the project were postponed until after approval of the first commencement order following the referendum, there would be an unacceptable delay before elections could be held and the Assembly could meet. Accordingly, the Property Services Agency is being authorised to proceed with the remaining essential stage of the work as soon as practicable. The cost of the further work necessary, at £1.25 million represents the difference between 827W the £2 million already committed and the £3.25 million shown in the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Scotland Bill.

To make adequate preparations for the arrival of the Scottish Executive and its consequences, it will also be necessary to commit expenditure from the £1 million shown in the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum for work on the reallocation and equipment of office accommodation in Scotland. Such expenditure will also be limited to what is essential to provide adequate initial facilities for the Assembly and to take account of the immediate consequences of its creation. Provision for both Assembly and office works wil be made in estimates to be put before the House shortly.