§ 36. Mr. Rifkindasked the Lord Advocate what rôle he envisages for the Scottish Law Officers after the implementation of the Government's policy on devolution.
§ The Lord AdvocateIt would be premature for me to put forward any final view on the rôle of the Scottish Law Officers after devolution. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the Government's White Paper on Devolution proposes that the Lord Advocate should remain a United Kingdom Minister with many of his existing responsibilities. Arrangements will, of course, require to be made for the discharge of such Scottish Law Officer functions as may be devolved.
§ Mr. RifkindDo the Government's proposals involve the Solicitor-General for Scotland also remaining a United Kingdom Minister? If so, what provision is to be made for the Assembly to be advised on legal matters?
§ The Lord AdvocateI am not in a position to make a statement on that. It is among the many matters which the Government have to consider.