§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD CALVERLEYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the names of the Royal Commissioners to inquire into Scottish Affairs will be announced; and whether the terms of reference will include the question of creating a Scottish Parliament.]
THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, as soon as the Report of Lord Catto's Committee on Scottish finance 200 and trade statistics has been received and considered, the Government will consider the terms of reference and composition of a Royal Commission.
§ LORD CALVERLEYMy Lords, may I ask when the Catto Committee's Report is expected?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I think it should be about April. That is the nearest date I can give the noble Lord.