asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give East Lothian district council consent to proceed with the construction of the Prestonpans community centre; and what has caused the delay in reaching a decision.

Local authorities' financial plans contemplate a level of capital expenditure on leisure and recreation considerably higher than allowed for in Cmnd. 7841. I am, therefore, examining proposals in this area with particular care. I hope to reach a decision very shortly on the Prestonpans community centre.