§ Mr. Allen AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he last met the governors of Paisley college to discuss the situation regarding land owned by the college in Storie street, Paisley; what was the outcome of these discussions; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what advice his Department gave, and on what date, to the governors of Paisley college regarding the land at Stork street, Paisley, which is in the ownership of the college; what action was taken by the governors; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what plans he has to discuss with the governors of Paisley college the anticipated completion date for the disposal of the land owned by the college at Storie street, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have had no discussions with the governors of Paisley college about the land owned by the college in Storie street. However, officials of the Scottish Education Department have on a number of occasions in the last few months had discussions about the land with senior management of the college. They offered advice on various options for marketing the land so as to secure the best return on a publicly-acquired asset. I understand that the land will be exposed for sale by tender shortly.
§ Mr. Allen AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he had to assist the town of Paisley in celebration of the 500th anniversary of its formation by grant of Royal Charter during 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNone, nor has any such assistance been sought. My right hon. and learned Friend would like, however, to extend to the citizens of Paisley every good wish in this their 500th anniversary year.
§ Mr. Allen AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates he has of the number of jobs which will be created by the development of the Paisley shopping centre(a) during construction, and (b) when completed.
§ Mr. LangThe project, which is due to begin early next year, is expected to create 200 construction jobs. It is estimated that it will provide 500 retail jobs when completed in 1991.