§ Q2. Mr. Monroasked the Prime Minister to what extent the Paymaster-General is responsible for matters involving devolution in Scotland.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Perth and East Perthshire (Mr. MacArthur) on 17th April, 1969.—[Vol. 781, c. 294.]
§ Mr. MonroIs the Prime Minister aware that that is not a very enthusiastic answer? Now that the Crowther Commission has at last been set up, what will the Paymaster-General do in terms of devolution until the Commission reports?
§ The Prime MinisterAs regards the lack of enthusiasm in my Answer, I was merely referring the hon. Gentleman to a previous Answer that he could have looked up himself. I did not think that that was a matter for enthusiasm.
As regards my right hon. Friend, I have explained already that, while the Commission will be going into the fundamental questions which are in its terms of reference, we reserve the right to introduce legislation pending the Report of that Constitutional Commission if there are matters about which we think there should be urgent legislation.
§ Mr. William HamiltonIs it in the mind of the Commission to produce and publish interim reports, and does it intend to set up assistant commissioners to look into the problems of Scotland and Wales separately?
§ The Prime MinisterAs for the first part of my hon. Friend's question, I do not know the position. I do not even know whether a decision has been taken. The Commission has had one meeting and that only this week.
As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, he will be aware of my statement when I announced the setting up of the Commission, that it would be intended to have panels covering Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and that additional nominees would be announced for that purpose.