BBC News | SCOTLAND | Parliament report offers price options

Project officials were expected to dispute this - arguing that it would be ready by the end of 2002, with MSPs moving in early the following year.

The report has been presented to the parliament's corporate body - responsible for overseeing the matter - and has been scheduled for publication on Thursday.

The cost of the new building has been the subject of controversy since the Scottish parliamentary elections last year, when it was alleged the original Ł40m estimate for the building was highly inaccurate.

The independent inquiry was launched following allegations that the project, which has been spearheaded by Spanish architect Enric Miralles, had spiralled to Ł230m.

Devolved matter

Last week, the issue threatened to ignite a turf war between MSPs and their Westminster counterparts.

Members of the House of Commons public accounts committee said they wanted to play an active role in the investigation into the cost of the parliament - but leading MSPs said it was none of their business.

The convenor of Holyrood's finance committee, Mike Watson, said the Westminster committee could not get involved because since July last year everything relating to the new parliament building had been devolved to MSPs.

In Wales, First Secretary Rhodri Morgan has decided to put plans for a Welsh Assembly building on hold until June when a National Audit Office report on the assembly's accommodation needs is published.


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