asked the Minister of Works what reasons led to the decision to spend £6,000 this year on the replacement of railings at Holyrood House, Edinburgh; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will reconsider the decision.

These railings have deteriorated to a state where further repair is impracticable.The details of the scheme for replacement have not been finally settled, but naturally it will be carried through as economically as is consistent with the situation.