§ 8 and 9. Mr. Gordon Campbellasked the Paymaster-General (1) whether she has now initiated a study of the problems of devolution;
(2) if she will now make a statement on her recent consultations on the subject of devolution.
17. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Paymaster-General what progress she has made in her study of devolution.
§ Mr. George ThomsonI have been asked to reply.
The consultations my right hon. Friend has are informal, since she believes this to be most useful at present. She is always glad to consider any requests for discussions. A statement, however, would not be appropriate. Her consideration of the various aspects of devolution is proceeding, assisted by the increasingly realistic contributions which are now being made to the public discussion of this issue.
§ Mr. CampbellI am sorry that the Paymaster-General is ill, and hope that she will soon recover and be with us again. Can the Minister state whether the right hon. Lady has taken any action yet in this area of her responsibilities as described by the Prime Minister. In particular, can he tell us if it is true that she has accepted an invitation to dine with the 1320 Club?
§ Mr. ThomsonI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his first remarks about my right hon. Friend. I would require notice of his final Question. My right hon. Friend, with her customary energy, has been applying her mind to these problems and engaging in informal discussions which have been useful. Their usefulness lies in their being informal, and making them formal and publishing lists would not help.
Mr. TaylorWill the Minister make a direct contribution to devolution by encouraging the further devolution of the Civil Service? Has he seen the recent Report of the Scottish Council, which expressed concern at the accelerating stampede of offices and decision-making down south from Scotland? Have the Government any steps in mind to reverse this trend?
§ Mr. ThomsonI have seen the Report to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to his remarks.
§ Mr. DalyellIf serious consideration is to be given to this subject, has not it to be done informally at this stage?
§ Mr. ThomsonI entirely agree. If one is to make serious progress in the task assigned to my right hon. Friend it is better to proceed in the way she suggests.