HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc196-8W
Mr. Wylie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representation he has received for financial or other assistance from the corporation of the city of Edinburgh in connection with the provision of facilities for the Commonwealth Games to be held there in 1970; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Ross

Edinburgh Corporation has asked for an Exchequer grant of 50 per cent. of the total estimated cost of providing a swimming pool at Park Road and a stadium and indoor sports centre at Meadowbank. The detailed plans and estimates for Meadowbank were sent to me on 6th June, and I have told the Corporation that I am having them examined urgently in consultation with the Minister with special responsibility for sport and that a further letter will be sent to them as soon as the examination is completed.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what requests he has received from Edinburgh Corporation for assistance in connection with the staging of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what requests he has received from Edinburgh Corporation for assistance, financial or otherwise, in the holding of the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Ross

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave today to the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Wylie).

Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans or time-tables he has received from Edinburgh Corporation about the progress of preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh; and what steps he proposes to take.

Mr. Ross

The Corporation has told me that it wishes to reach a decision on 27th July about the stadium and sports centre at Meadowbank, since the programme requires preliminary works to start in the autumn and the main contract to start by January 1968. The detailed plans and estimates for the project were not sent to me until 6th June, but I am urgently considering the Corporation's request for grant.

I have already given planning approval for the swimming pool at Park Road and have assured the Corporation that borrowing consent will be forthcoming.