§ Q7. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Welsh Office, Scottish Office, and Department of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in respect of the devolution of political power.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhen will the Kilbrandon Report be available to us? Does the Prime Minister understand that whatever decisions on devolution are taken most hon. Members on both sides of the House representing Scottish constituencies would deplore any action which reduced the status of Scottish Members in the United Kingdom Parliament?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot yet tell the House when the Kilbrandon Report will be available. It is likely to be a substantial work and all hon. Members will wish to study it in detail before offering their views on it. I do not want to comment in advance on a report that has not yet been published.
§ Mr. RossIn the meantime, is the Prime Minister satisfied with the coordination between himself and his Scottish Unionist supporters?
§ Mr. DouglasDoes the Prime Minister accept that in view of the Community's regional policy there is an important need to take steps to ensure that the Commissioner for Regional Policy comes into direct contact with the Scottish Grand Committee whenever possible?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a procedural matter which I am prepared to study, without giving an answer off the cuff. Of course, Ministers in the Scottish Office have every opportunity to discuss in Brussels matters affecting the United Kingdom, including Scotland.