§ 35. Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what extra costs will be incurred by his Department and by Lothian regional council as a consequence of the European Community Council in Edinburgh; and if Lothian region will be fully paid for extra police costs.
§ Mr. Ian LangThe main costs of holding the European Council meeting in Edinburgh, including works at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the provision of press facilities at Meadowbank, will be met by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In addition, the Scottish Office will provide police specific grant to meet 51 per cent. of the expenditure incurred by Lothian and Borders police board in policing the meeting; I understand policing costs are estimated at around £2.5 million.