§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to businesses in central Edinburgh on the potential impact of(a) the interim location of the Scottish Parliament in the Assembly Rooms, (b) the new parliament building at Holyrood on its completion, (c) the estimated completion date of the new building and (d) the estimated date of transfer of the parliament from the Assembly Rooms to Holyrood; how often he gives local business such guidance; and if he will make a statement. [72299]
§ Mr. DewarMy Ministerial colleagues and I meet regularly with a wide variety of representatives of the Edinburgh business community and other local organisations. Views are exchanged on the impact of the new Parliament in both of the proposed locations.
551WThe Scottish Office, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd. are joint sponsors of a study on "The Scottish Parliament: Maximising Local Economic Benefit through Area Regeneration". The study team has consulted with all identified interested parties, including representatives of local commerce and industry. The final report is expected shortly.
The estimated completion date of the new Parliament building at Holyrood is autumn 2001; the transfer date will be a matter for Members of the new Scottish Parliament to decide.