HC Deb 11 December 1978 vol 960 cc26-7
28. Mr. Canavan

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is satisfied with the progress of the Government's devolution plans.

Mr. Foot

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Canavan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that up to 35,000 students in Scotland and Wales may be on the electoral register in a university or college constituency as well as in their home constituencies and, therefore, will have to break the law by voting twice if they want to make a "Yes" vote count in the referendum? Will the Government set up a special register of people with dual registration to try to overcome this problem, which has arisen because of the silly 40 per cent. amendment accepted by this House?

Mr. Foot

I appreciate fully my hon. Friend's feelings on the matter, but I fear that we cannot solve the dilemma in the way that he suggests. We debated this matter in the House a week or two ago.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Will the Lord President say when the elections to the Scottish and Welsh Assemblies are to be held since, in his view, progress is being made towards them?

Mr. Foot

We must win the referendums first and fix the date afterwards.

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