§ 19. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a progress report on his efforts to acquire a site for the proposed Scottish Assembly.
§ Mr. Harry EwingFollowing my right hon. Friend's announcement in the House on 4th February that local consultations were being initiated in Edinburgh about possible sites for the proposed Scottish Assembly, the Property Services Agency has completed a preliminary assessment and submitted a report. On the basis of that report the Government have decided 535W that the buildings of the former Royal High School in Regent Road, Edinburgh, would be the most suitable location.
To avoid any delay, the Property Services Agency has been authorised to begin discussions, without commitment, with Edinburgh District Council, with a view to carrying out a detailed assessment of the buildings and examining the terms on which they could be acquired. Parliamentary authority will, of course, be sought for any subsequent expenditure.