Written question asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 April 1998. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Friday, 24 April 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his Answer of 12th March 1998 at 308 c292W, and the subsequent letter from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, if he took into account the contents of HIE's economic appraisal in approving the expenditure by HIE on a funicular railway on Cairngorm; and what independent assessment of this appraisal his Department sought.

Answer: Mr. Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 1998, Official Report, column 292, and the subsequent letter from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, if he took into account the contents of HIE's economic appraisal in approving the expenditure by HIE on a funicular railway on Cairn Gorm; and what independent assessment of this appraisal his Department sought. [38596] Mr. Wilson: The economic appraisal of the proposed funicular railway project was one of the factors which my right hon. Friend and I took into account in deciding to approve the financial contribution of Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the project. My right hon. Friend and I do not usually seek an independent assessment of the economic appraisals carried out by or for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Professional advice on the contents of such appraisals is available from Departmental officials.

Secondary information