§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Equity regarding the development of the arts in Scotland; and what plans his Department has to press for cultural projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland.
§ Mr. William Ross:I have received a copy of a resolution passed at the annual meeting of Equity members in Scotland emphasising the importance of the proposed Edinburgh Theatre complex and the proposed Glasgow Cultural Complex to the development of the theatre and the arts in these centres. The provision of cultural facilities in particular areas is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities concerned. Their proposals for new projects have to be considered in the light of the pressing needs of other services and the importance of restricting the rate of growth of public expenditure generally.