§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland at which meeting and on what day Messrs. Hamilton Property Developments Ltd. were asked to withdraw their conditions to the offer for the Hamilton college complex; who was present at that meeting; and whether the request was confirmed in writing.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe request was made at a meeting in Hamilton on 11 August 1982. Those present were the three gentlemen comprising Hamilton Associates—later Hamilton Property Developments Ltd; two governors and the secretary of Jordanhill college of education, with the solicitor to the college; and two officials of my Department. Since the position of Hamilton Associates was made completely clear at the meeting and in a revised offer for the property submitted by them on 12 August, no written request for the withdrawal of conditions was sent.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he sought the advice from, or had any communication with, the Hamilton district valuer in relation to a valuation of the land involved in the Hamilton college of education site.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherMy Department sought advice from the chief valuer (Scotland) before the former Hamilton college of education premises were advertised on the open market, and again when the various offers which were received were under consideration.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any commercial estate agency was involved in advising either his Department or the board of Jordanhill college in selling the Hamilton college of education site; and what fee was paid to them.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherNo. The legal advisers to Jordanhill college of education, who handled the sale, have substantial experience in the marketing of large estates.