§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when a Bill will be introduced to Parliament implementing the proposals for a code of civic government in Scotland outlined in Cmnd. 7958.
§ Mr. YoungerThe Civic Government (Scotland) Bill will be a high priority for the Scottish legislative programme in the parliamentary Session 1981–82, but I am holding it n readiness in case an opportunity occurs for earlier introduction. This will depend upon the prowess of other Scottish Bills. If the Bill is not introduced until 1981–82 I will ensure then that it provides for a short deferment of the expiry of the Burgh. Police Acts and local Acts, which are at present due to expire at the end of 1982. Such a deferment would give local authorities more time to consider the case for renewing their own local legislation after the passage of the proposed Civic Government (Scotland) Bill.