HC Deb 21 June 1978 vol 952 cc451-2
10. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the likely period after the proposed referendum on the Scotland Bill before he will transfer his powers to the new Scottish Executive in the event of an affirmative vote in the referendum.

Mr. Milan

Elections to the Scottish Assembly will first have to be held. Thereafter, once the Scottish Executive is in being, the period to elapse until the transfer of full responsibilities will be for discussion with the Executive.

Mr. Rifkind

Will the Secretary of State confirm that if, as we now expect, there is a General Election in the autumn, there will be no possibility of the referendum taking place until some time next year? In those circumstances, will he indicate the earliest date at which the Assembly could begin functioning?

Mr. Millan

I do not think that I should speculate on these matters, not every one of which is within my control. After the elections for the Assembly have been held, we envisage the take-over being quite a short period. I mean a period of a few months. I cannot be absolutely firm on that because we would have to discuss the arrangements with the Scottish Executive.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Is the Secretary of State aware that the House of Lords is still up to its dirty work of mutilating the Scotland Bill? Does he realise that this House could take advantage of the changes in the referendum proposals which the House of Lords is making by suggesting that in the course of the campaign there should be some restriction over the amount of English money which is brought from London and elsewhere to be put to work in Scotland against the Assembly?

Mr. Milian

I am paying close attention to what is happening to the Bill in the other place. I am glad that the hon. Gentleman is still taking an interest in it, especially as, last week, he voted to kill the Bill.

Mr. Dewar

Does my right hon. Friend recall that there was a tandem period— a running-in period—of about a year for the new regional councils? As the resettlement which will be required when the Assembly comes into being will be considerably more complicated, does he accept that something of that order will be necessary?

Mr. Milan

No. I have looked into this matter very carefully. I think that we can do it in less than a year. That may seem odd, given the local government experience, but I have to wait to talk to the Executive about it. I think that we can do it in considerably less than a year.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Is the Secretary of State aware that in Edinburgh it is considered that the Scottish Office is now planning the referendum for April next year? How does that fit in with his plans for March?

Mr. Milian

I do not know who is considering it. I am not.