HC Deb 20 January 1998 vol 304 cc479-80W
13. Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland to discuss the future role of the Scottish Parliament. [21724]

Mr. McLeish

My right hon. Friend will meet key figures in the CBI in Scotland on 30 January to consider the role that the CBI can play following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. This follows on from meetings my right hon. Friend and Ministerial colleagues have had with CBI representatives since I May to discuss the Government's plans to establish a Parliament.

15. Mr. Prior

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on his estimate of the cost of setting up a Scottish Parliament. [217261

Mr. McLeish

The Scottish Office has received a total of 10 letters; eight from members of the public and two from hon. Members.

28. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the costs of a Scottish Parliament. [21740]

Mr. McLeish

My right hon. Friend announced on Friday 9 January that the Parliament would be sited at Holyrood in Edinburgh. The estimated construction costs of the building will be around £50 million. Site acquisition costs, fees and VAT must be added to this. The actual costs will depend on the final design, the level of fees negotiated and the price of construction, which will be determined by competitive tender.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances a Minister answerable to the Parliament of Scotland would(a) attend with a United Kingdom Minister and (b) lead in European Union Council meetings. [21725]

Mr. Dewar

The Government intend that Ministers of the Scottish Executive will have a role to play in relevant Council meetings and could speak for the UK in appropriate cases, at the discretion of the UK Minister. This would mainly arise in cases where EU business is being discussed which predominantly affects devolved areas.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his statement of 12 January, 1997, Official Report, column 29, on what basis he maintains that relations between Edinburgh and London will be based on consent and co-operation in the matter of financial resources. [23308]

Mr. Dewar

[holding answer 16 January 1998]: The creation and operation of a Scottish Parliament within the framework of the United Kingdom can take place only on the basis of consultation, consent and co-operation. The financial arrangements are no exception to this.