HC Deb 15 March 1978 vol 946 cc434-6
14. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what preparations are being made to provide the proposed Scottish Assembly with discussion papers on alternative forms of Standing Orders for the Assembly.

Mr. Harry Ewing

My right hon. Friend aims to ensure that the preparations made for the Assembly will include briefing on procedures for elected Assemblies.

Mr. Bennett

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is particularly important that matters such as the declaration and registration of Members' interests and the open access to information for Members should be discussed before the Assembly is elected and not imposed by the Assembly afterwards?

Mr. Ewing

We cannot set up discussion groups and committees to have discussions with a body that is not yet in being. On my hon. Friend's general proposition, the Assembly will want to pay regard to what happens in this House when framing its Standing Orders and procedures, because the Standing Orders and procedures that my right hon. Friend is to prepare will take effect only in the run-in period of the Assembly. Thereafter, it will be for the Assembly to establish its own procedures.

Mr. Watt

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that much of the desire for devolution arises from annoyance over the ineffectiveness of Westminster government and the continuation of outdated methods that are perpetuated in this House? Would it not be much better for the Assembly to start with a clean sheet and to introduce its own Standing Orders?

Mr. Ewing

We are aware of the ineffectiveness of Opposition parties. That is one of the main reasons why, after February 1974, the Government introduced aid to Opposition parties. I am beginning to have doubts about the value that we are getting for the money.

Mr. Canavan

In view of the recent events in Garscadden, would it not be a good idea for the Scottish Assembly to have a special rest room for SNP nannies and Tory Party nanny goats?

Mr. Ewing

In relation to the Tories, I suspect that the rest room would need to have a chimney in it, and in relation to the SNP, I suspect that the rest room would need to have space for changing nappies and feeding babies.

Mr. Speaker

I got into trouble the other day over a reference to animals.