§ 38 and 39. Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) whether he will ensure that separate staff experienced in Scottish matters are seconded from the Civil Service to the Constitutional Commission so that it is equipped to investigate independently the economic links between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will now state what will be the size and composition of the Civil Service staff seconded to the Constitutional Commission; and when he expects that these will be appointed.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe exact size and composition of the secretariat have not yet been settled but account will be taken of the need to balance specialised experience with general ability in the fields to be covered by the Commission.
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§ 45. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet ready to announce the membership and terms of reference of the Constitutional Commission and the place and date when it will commence its sittings.
§ Mr. CallaghanI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Dobson) on 11th February setting out the terms of reference. I hope that a further statement can be made shortly.—[Vol. 777, c.290.]