§ 21. Mr. Gordon Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with the Chairman of the Constitutional Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossIt has not been necessary for me to have any consultations with Lord Crowther since his appointment as Chairman of the Commission was announced, but I am naturally ready to meet him at any time if the need should arise.
§ Mr. CampbellBut can the right hon. Gentleman explain why, although the Chairman was appointed some weeks ago, no announcement has yet been made about the membership of the Commission or when it is to start work? Have those who have been approached been unwilling to take on the job, or are they already engaged in a similar task?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman has let his imagination run riot. He should appreciate that, before the terms of reference could be fixed, a considerable amount of discussion had to take place with other Governments—the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. He should appreciate that it was right that that should be so. The Prime Minister hopes to announce the membership shortly, and I am sure that the Commission will get on with its work as quickly as possible thereafter.
§ Mrs. EwingDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, if he were to 1360 seek consultations now, even at this late stage, it might help the Government to resolve their obvious difficulties in finding suitable persons to serve on the Commission?
§ Mr. RossOnce again, the hon. Lady is wrong. We have had no difficulties in finding the right people.