§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria are used in Scotland to award city status to towns; and if he will make it his policy to create a new city by 2000. [44683]
§ Mr. McLeishThere are no settled criteria for the award of city status to towns in Scotland. Such an award has not been made since Dundee was awarded city status in 1889. Any further award would be a matter for Her Majesty The Queen acting under the Royal Prerogative on the advice of the Government of the day. There are no plans to recommend such an award in Scotland at present.