§ 3. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)When she proposes to bring forward legislation to amend the Scotland Act 1998 in respect of the size of the Scottish Parliament. [89138]
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mrs. Helen Liddell)I shall seek agreement to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.
§ Mr. SwayneHow many indications of support has the Secretary of State had for her proposals from Labour Back Benchers?
§ Mrs. LiddellOf the replies to the consultation exercise that I undertook, there were 18 responses from hon. Members, six of which opposed the proposals—it was basically 2:1. Indeed, let me point out that the Labour party, the Co-operative party and the Scottish trade union movement all agree with my position. Only the Scottish Conservative party has stood against the proposals.
§ Mr. Michael Weir (Angus)Does the Secretary of State agree that it is ludicrous that the House should determine the size of the Scottish Parliament? Will she undertake that, in the Bill on the matter, there will be provision to transfer that power to the Scottish Parliament so that in future it can determine its appropriate size?
§ Mrs. LiddellNo.