To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received concerning the present circumstances and future of the Gourock ropeworks in Port Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

I have received representations both for and against the retention of the Gourock Ropeworks building.It is a category A listed building in private ownership for which I hope a suitable use can be found. Its demolition, alteration or extension would require listed building consent in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972. I am not aware of any application for listed building consent to Inverclyde district council as planning authority.