§ 3.17 p.m.
§ LORD CRAIGTONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the implementation of the proposal, in the gracious Speech, to bring in new measures for the impartial investigation of individual grievances will include the appointment of a Parliamentary Commissioner (Ombudsman); and if so whether a separate Parliamentary Commissioner will be appointed for Scotland.]
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, it is the Government's intention to introduce legislation 228 to appoint a Parliamentary Commissioner to investigate individual grievances. The scope of his powers and functions is being considered, and I am not able to make any further statement at present.
§ LORD CRAIGTONMy Lords, that was the Answer I expected. Is the noble Lord aware that the purpose of my Question is to declare in advance that Scotland, with her own laws and her own practices, will expect to have control over her own affairs in this field as recommended by paragraph 161 of Sir John Whyatt's Report by Justice?
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, indeed we are aware of the importance of the point that is raised, and I would say that careful consideration is to be given to this before legislation is introduced.
§ LORD CRAIGTONI thank the noble Lord.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, do the Government have in mind that the burden on this Commissioner is likely to be extremely heavy under any Government, and that it may be desirable not only to appoint a separate Commissioner for Scotland, but to give consideration to the importance of having Regional Commissioners?
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, I will take note of the noble Baroness's point.