§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress over the input by Scottish-based companies towards the construction of the Scottish exhibition centre; and whether he is encouraging a contribution from public sector bodies.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe first two major construction contracts, worth over £3 million, for the exhibition centre have been awarded to Scottish-based companies; and Scottish-based companies are bidding strongly for a further six contracts worth about £4½ million. As my hon. Friend the then Minister for Industry in Scotland told the hon. Member on 19 April—[Vol. 41, c.69–70.]—work is assigned wherever possible to local contractors, but they must satisfy the conditions of highest quality work for the lowest price. Any award of contracts to public sector bodies would be made on this basis.