HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 cc508-9W
Mr. Gow

asked the Lord President of the Council when the Government will arrange for the election of the Scottish and Welsh assemblies; and what is his estimate of the time which will elapse between the date on which the buildings to house these Assemblies are completed and the dates when the Assemblies will first meet.

Mr. Foot

The timetable depends on Parliament's consideration of the Bill. Elections will be held and the Assemblies will meet as soon as practicable after the legislation is passed. As to the second part of the Question, it is not therefore possible to give a precise estimate, but little if any lapse of time is expected.

Mr. Gow

asked the Lord President of the Council what drawing has been made to date on the contingencies fund in respect of expenditure at the former Royal High School building in Edinburgh at the Temple of Peace and Health in Cardiff; and to what use the Government will put these two buildings pending the election of the Assemblies in Scotland and in Wales.

Mr. Armstrong

I have been asked to reply.

No drawing has been made on the fund. The period between the acquisition of the buildings and the date when they will be available for use by the Assemblies will be taken up by the necessary works of adaptation.

Mr. Gow

asked the Lord President of the Council by what dates the former Royal High School building in Edinburgh and the Temple of Peace and Health in Cardiff will be ready for operation as Assemblies for Scotland and Wales, respectively.

Mr. Armstrong

I have been asked to reply.

It is hoped to have the Royal High School building in Edinburgh ready for operation as the Assembly for Scotland by the spring of 1978. As acquisition of part of the Temple of Peace and Health, Cardiff from the United Nations Association has not yet been agreed, no date of readiness can yet be given.