Dewar repeats Holyrood costs denial

Concern remains over the cost of the building

Sir David Steel: Pressing ahead

First Minister Donald Dewar has again denied suggestions that he or his team misled the public over the costs of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.

Mr Dewar has written to Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond, stressing that revised figures were announced after they had been fully confirmed.

He also dismissed as "absurd" the notion that the UK Treasury should fund any extra costs arising from the building.

That would mean that the cost could rise "uncontrollably", without Scotland having to pay the price, Mr Dewar said.

Repot goes to MSPs

Meanwhile, MSPs have begun discussions in private of an independent report into the cost of the new building.

The independent study, which was conducted by the respected architect John Spencely, proposes two price options for the controversial building.

According to Mr Spencely, the more elaborate building would cost £230m, while a less expensive option could be completed for £190m.

The parliament's cross-party corporate body, which is responsible for overseeing the project, has scrutinised the report, ahead of its scheduled publication later this week.