§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Lothian regional council has approached him for permission to buy the disused rail network in Edinburgh from British Railways; if so, on what terms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindYes. Consent was given on 12 February in respect of two of the three parcels of land which the council wished to acquire and on 30 March in respect of the third parcel. The terms of the purchase are a matter between the council and British Rail.