HC Deb 19 May 1998 vol 312 cc720-1
9. Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)

When he last met representatives of political parties to discuss procedures for the Scottish Parliament. [41258]

The Minister for Home Affairs and Devolution, Scottish Office (Mr. Henry McLeish)

I met yesterday representatives of the political parties in Scotland at the third meeting of the consultative steering group on the Scottish Parliament. That group is charged with taking forward consideration of how the Parliament will operate.

Mr. Robathan

I am glad that the Minister has met the political parties as we proceed towards the Scottish Parliament. The Government have stated that they believe in the Union, but there is a great deal of uncertainty about procedures. Is the Minister not concerned that, given the opinion polls in Scotland, his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State could end up as Leader of the Opposition in the Scottish Parliament? The Scottish nationalists could be the largest party and might use the uncertainty of procedures to undermine the whole business of the Union and the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. McLeish

The hon. Gentleman's main question related to the procedures in which we are involved and the relationship with other political parties. The realpolitik in Scotland is that parties are co-operating on a way forward. The consultative steering group is looking at Standing Orders, working methods and procedures. The Scottish people value their Parliament and want it to work for them. The nation does not want the Parliament to work for any political party.

Mr. John Maxton (Glasgow, Cathcart)

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is important for the new Parliament to present a modern, efficient vision of itself in the 21st century? Therefore, can he assure us that there will be no fancy costumes; that in a multi-religious society there will be no prayers; and that modern technology will be used for voting and in many other aspects of the work of that Parliament?

Mr. McLeish

I do not want to pre-empt the work of the consultative steering group. In a sense, the issues that my hon. Friend raises are the ones which we are tackling. There is no point in having differences between Westminster and Holyrood simply for the sake of difference. We are convinced that this will be a modern substantial Parliament with tremendous law-making powers. The people of Scotland will be proud of it, but, more importantly, we have to make sure that it works properly because legislating will be the essence of the new Parliament.

Mr. Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst)

What constitutional and legislative safeguards are there for the people of Scotland in a one-chamber system?

Mr. McLeish

As part of the work of the consultative steering group, we are keen to explore that issue, because, in terms of constitutional development in the United Kingdom, the Parliament is a significant step. We are looking at the situation that will arise with a single chamber in the new Parliament. I think that a single chamber will work well, but it requires proper built-in safeguards and proper consultation. I take the right hon. Gentleman's question seriously and I can tell him that we have asked the expert panel that is advising the consultative steering group to look at that issue.