To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to removing the Scottish Office from New St. Andrew's house to alternative accommodation in Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

In the light of the work needed to remove asbestos from New St. Andrew's house and refurbish the building consideration is being given to a number of options for the longer-term accommodation strategy of the Scottish Office. No decisions have yet been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the renovation work required to upgrade the Scottish Office premises at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh recommended by the Property Services Agency report.

As part of the reinstatement of the building after removal of asbestos Property Holdings would propose to refurbish the building to a high standard. The report by PSA Building Management, which was commissioned by Property Holdings, sets out a number of options for additional enhancement of the building, the total cost of which if they were implemented would amount to some £5 million, excluding fees and VAT.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is proposed to evacuate all staff employed at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh while the asbestos is removed.

The work programme for the removal of asbestos is still under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of removing all asbestos from the Scottish Office at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh.

The report commissioned by Property Holdings estimates the cost of removing the asbestos and reinstating the building to an appropriate standard as between £6·3 million and £8·6 million, excluding fees and VAT, depending on the work programme adopted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the improvement to the ventilation system at the Scottish Office at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh.

A number of possible alternative ways in which the heating, ventilation and air conditioning in New