§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the total cost of the building to house the Scottish Parliament, broken down into the costs of(a) securing the land, (b) construction of the debating chamber and associated administrative offices, (c) construction of offices for members and (d) equipping and furnishing it. [41110]
§ Mr. DewarThe estimated construction cost of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood is around £55 million, including site acquisition costs and demolition costs but excluding fees and VAT. The estimated total cost of acquiring and preparing the Holyrood site is approximately £4 million. A detailed breakdown between the cost elements for the debating chamber, the administrative offices, Members' offices, equipment and furniture is not yet available. These costs cannot be estimated until the design team is appointed in the summer of 1998 and has undertaken further detailed work.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the length of time during which the Scottish Parliament will have to meet in temporary premises; and what is the(a) cost of renting this facility and (b) capital cost of adapting, furnishing and equipping this facility. [41101]
§ Mr. DewarThe Scottish Parliament is expected to meet in temporary accommodation from May 1999 until the new building at Holyrood, Edinburgh, is ready for occupation in the second half of 2001. The estimated cost of preparing the temporary accommodation for use by the Parliament and for rent and rates over a 2-year period is estimated at £6 million. This does not include heating, lighting, security or other building-related costs, or the provision of IT and broadcasting equipment, furniture and services. These costs are still being assessed.