HC Deb 07 August 1980 vol 990 cc276-7W
Mr. Ancram

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the report on the inter-party talks on the Government of Scotland will be made available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses today. The report is concerned with ways of improving the handling of Scottish parliamentary business. Its principal recommendations are that the maximum of eight Estimates and Matter Day debates which may at present be taken in Scottish Grand Committee should be increased to 12; that there should be a guaranteed minimum number of such debates; and that the appointment of added Members to the Scottish Grand Committee should be discontinued. The report also refers to suggestions on which it was agreed not to put forward recommendations for change; and to the possibility of the Scottish Grand and Standing Committees meeting in Edinburgh on which it was recognised that the House should have the opportunity to consider and decide.

The Government welcome the report and will be tabling motions recommending support for its proposals.