HC Deb 28 January 1999 vol 324 cc385-6W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the architect Enric Miralles on(a) the estimated date of completion of the Scottish Parliament's new building and (b) the cost overrun on the project. [66706]

Mr. McLeish

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: I and officials in the Holyrood Parliament Project Team have regular contact and meetings with Enric Miralles of EMBT/RMJM on a range of issues about the new building at Holyrood. The project remains on programme and the budget for the building continues to be £50 million excluding VAT and fees.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the allegations made by the project manager for the Scottish Parliament's new building that he was prevented from taking the action necessary to solve problems of building cost overrun. [66704]

Mr. McLeish

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: Comprehensive project monitoring and reporting arrangements are in place for the Holyrood building. The allegations attributed to the former project manager have been examined. I am satisfied that the project remains on programme. The budget for the building continues to be £50 million excluding VAT and fees.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the criteria used in calculating the initial estimated building cost for the Scottish Parliament; and what factors have led to an increase in cost since that estimate. [66703]

Mr. McLeish

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: The initial calculation of the estimated building cost for the Scottish Parliament new building was carried out by independent cost consultants. It was based on the feasibility studies produce for the four sites originally considered for the Scottish Parliament building. Appropriate unit rates were applied for different categories of use reflecting the need for varying standards of finish across the building.

Detailed design work is being carried out by the architects for the building and cost consultants to monitor the implications. The budget for the building remains £50 million excluding VAT and fees.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports he has received from the project manager of the Scottish Parliament's new building as to the prospects for the building being completed on time. [66705]

Mr. McLeish

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: Arrangements are in place whereby I and officials in the Holyrood Parliament Project Team receive regular information about progress against programme for the Holyrood building. Work on site has begun and the target date for completion continues to be autumn 2001.