HC Deb 19 May 1997 vol 294 cc373-4
30. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on his role in Her Majesty's Government's proposals for Scottish devolution. [395]

Mr. Hoon

Scottish devolution is principally a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. The Lord Chancellor's Department is one of a number of Departments that are concerned.

Mr. Dalyell

What account is the Lord Chancellor's Committee taking of the natural desire of many Scots working in England to have their say in the referendum?

Mr. Hoon

The key criterion for voting in the referendum will be residence in Scotland. That is why we have provided that all those currently on the local government register in Scotland will be entitled to vote. All Scots who live in England and are registered as local government electors in Scotland will therefore be eligible to vote. The Government are currently considering the most effective way of making the public aware of the "absent voting" provisions, which will be in place at the time of the referendum.

Sir Teddy Taylor

As the Lord Chancellor's Department knows better than anyone, this is a fundamental, massive and costly constitutional change. Will the Minister seek to persuade his colleagues that it would be outrageous and unthinkable for it to be introduced without a clear indication that a substantial majority in Scotland wanted it? Could we at least have a 40 per cent. rule to ensure that it will not happen unless a majority in Scotland want it?

Mr. Hoon

As the hon. Gentleman knows full well, there will be opportunities for all Members of Parliament to debate and vote on such a matter in due course.