§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish Office staff are transported from London solely for the purpose of Scottish Grand Committee meetings in Edinburgh; and if he will estimate the cost of this.
§ Mr. RifkindNone. No additional cost is therefore incurred; indeed, as Scottish Office staff from Edinburgh do not have to travel to London, travel and subsistence costs that would otherwise arise are avoided.
§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the additional cost of holding each individual session of the Scottish Grand Committee in Edinburgh, including heating, lighting, staffing, policing and security, and miscellaneous expenditure.
§ Mr. RifkindThe additional costs involved are very small as the staffing, policing and security requirements are met by deploying personnel from other duties. Costs of around £70 are incurred on additional security, cleaning and lighting.