asked the Lord President of the Council when were the prospective sites for a Scottish Assembly inspected; what was the length of each visit; which sites were visited on each date; and what criteria he is using in assessing the suitability of a site.

I have been asked to reply.During February and March the Property Services Agency in consultation with my officials inspected a number of buildings in Edinburgh. An assessment is now being made in the light of all relevant criteria, including of course the need for a suitable debating chamber.