§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what basis the Minister of State asserted in his oral statement on 13 January 1998,Official Report, column 157, that asymmetric devolution should improve the government of the United Kingdom. [23532]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 16 January 1998]: My hon. Friend's statement reflects the Government's belief that the government of the United Kingdom will be improved by the decentralisation of power throughout Britain. The Government are committed to a programme of devolution appropriate to the needs and aspirations of each part of the United Kingdom which brings government closer to the people and gives people more control over their own affairs.