HC Deb 02 December 1997 vol 302 cc151-2W
11. Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with Edinburgh district council on the site of the proposed Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Dewar

The Scottish Office is working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council in considering the location of the Scottish Parliament.

13. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the cost implications of each of the potential locations for a Scottish Assembly. [17102]

Mr. McLeish

The estimated costs of providing a building for the Scottish Parliament at three potential locations in Edinburgh are being drawn up at present by independent consultants. The transport and environmental impacts are also being assessed.

18. Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce the location of the Scottish Parliament. [17109]

Mr. McLeish

My right hon. Friend hopes to announce his decision on the location of the Scottish Parliament building around the turn of the year.

Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current estimate for the cost of the proposed Scottish Parliament building. [18157]

Mr. McLeish

As is explained in the White Paper "Scotland's Parliament", the cost is dependent upon the site that is eventually chosen. The estimated costs of providing a building for the Scottish Parliament at locations in Regent Road, Leith and Haymarket are presently being drawn up by independent consultants.

Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library representations made to him by Historic Scotland about the siting of the Scottish Parliament on Calton Hill. [17630]

Mr. McLeish

[holding answer 1 December 1997]: No such representations have been made. Historic Scotland, as an executive agency within The Scottish Office, is fully and directly involved in the process of advising Ministers on the selection of a location for the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce the date of the first Scottish Parliamentary election. [17103]

Mr. Dewar

The timing of elections is being considered. I will make a further statement in due course.