HC Deb 21 November 1977 vol 939 c1096
44. Mr. Wigley

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he intends the separate referendums in Scotland and Wales, provided under the Scotland Bill and Wales Bill, respectively, to be undertaken on the same date.

The Minister of State, Privy Council Office (Mr. John Smith)

Yes, that is our intention and the decisions which the House took last week should help us achieve it. But we shall need to keep the position under review in the light of progress on the two Bills.

Mr. Wigley

Is not the Minister aware, in view of the representations made last year for two separate Bills—because of the essential difference between Wales and Scotland and, indeed, the provisions of the two Bills, in that Scotland will have a legislative assembly and Wales will not—that there is every argument now for having referendums on separate days so that the two issues are not confused?

Mr. Smith

The most important matter which will determine the final attitude on that is the progress of the Bills, and we must wait and see what happens.

Mr. Anderson

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us are striving hard to convince a sceptical electorate that the Government will not try to pull a fast one over the referendum? By such concessions and undertakings they are giving us many arguments to use.

Mr. Smith

My hon. Friend should listen to the answer which I gave: that that is our intention. If my hon. Friend repeatedly spreads false suggestions about the attitude of the Government, it is no wonder that some foolish people believe him.