asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the inadequacy of the accommodation in the National Hotel, Dingwall, to provide facilities for large functions held by local organisations or members of the public; and if he will now carry out the necessary extensions to the hotel.

I am aware that there is a shortage of facilities in Dingwall for large public functions. As my hon. Friend will know, consideration has been given, as one method of meeting this need, to the possibility of extending the National Hotel. But at present I am not in a position to make a statement about the possibility of carrying out such an extension.

If my right hon. Friend is not prepared to provide this very necessary facility, will he hand over this hotel, or rather dispose of it, to those who will?

I am not preventing anyone from providing public rooms for social functions in Dingwall. If my hon. Friend is suggesting the termination of State management, that is another question.