Chamber and committees

The original provision of 135 car parking spaces for the Parliament building was influenced primarily by security considerations which recommended a secure space for each MSP, and also by building regulations which requires a proportionate number of spaces to be provided for the disabled, in this case six spaces. Following a survey of MSP's, and after weighing up both security and environmental considerations the SPCB decided that the number could sensibly be reduced to 65 while still retaining six spaces for the disabled. This decision was reported to MSPs in SPCB Report No. 3 of December 1999.

The current base works cost estimate for the Holyrood Project is £108 million. This figure was agreed by Parliament following the Holyrood Project debate on 5 April 2000. The previous base works cost estimate was £62 million and was also agreed by Parliament following the first Holyrood Project debate on 17 June 1999. The Design Team fees will be adjusted in line with the latest change.

During the planning phase of the Holyrood project, geotechnical surveys revealed the presence of rock, subterranean wells and ground water. The design for the substructure of the building took these ground conditions into account, and therefore no additional costs were incurred.

European rail services are a reserved matter. During its review of Regional Eurostar for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Arthur D. Little consulted officials of the Scottish Executive.

I have arranged for the summary report and its appendices to be placed in SPICe.

Only one logo design has been commissioned for the Scottish Parliament. Redpath were commissioned to propose design ideas to accompany their existing text-based corporate identity, one of which was based upon the winning entry in the students competition held last year. One of the designs proposed by Redpath was developed for full design and production as the logo. The design costs are commercial-in-confidence, but the overall project costs, which cover several aspects including copyright, design, and trademark application, are around £20,000.

One of the primary functions of the SPCB is to provide property, staff and services for the Parliament's purposes. Provision of a logo is the provision of property for the Parliament's purposes and so it was considered by the SPCB that ratification by the Parliament was not a requirement. However, as stated in the written answer to PQ's 5764-5766, consultation with business managers took place during the selection process.

Only one logo design has been commissioned for the Scottish Parliament. Redpath were commissioned to propose design ideas, one of which was based upon the winning entry in the students competition held last year. One of the designs proposed by Redpath was developed for full design and production as the logo. The design costs are commercial-in-confidence, but the overall project costs, which cover several aspects including copyright, design, and trademark application, are around £20,000.

Consultations with the Lord Lyon have of course been held during the process of selecting the logo and he has provided his professional advice and support. He has granted the necessary permissions for the logo.

The SPCB has copyright in the logo and there is no requirement for an application for copyright as such. If any third party were to breach the SPCB's copyright, infringement proceedings under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 could result. Any penalty for breach of copyright would be for determination by a court.