asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements have been made concerning the acquisition of the Royal High School in Edinburgh for the Scottish Assembly; and at what date modifications will be undertaken to make this building suitable for its new purpose.

The Property Services Agency with the co-operation of Edinburgh District Council, the owners of the former Royal High School, has been carrying out an examination of the site with a view to assessing the terms on which the buildings might be acquired and the modifications that would be necessary. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State made clear when announcing the decision about choice of location to the House on 30th July 1975, there will be a further reference to Parliament before any subsequent expenditure.