HL Deb 03 September 1998 vol 593 c58WA
Lord Selkirk of Douglas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultation took place with interested parties prior to the publication of the Scotland Bill in relation to the definition of the "legal profession" contained in Schedule 5 of the Bill; and what consultation took place between the Scottish Office and the President of the Board of Trade on this issue. [HL3190]

Lord Sewel

Prior to the introduction of the Scotland Bill on 17 December 1997, the Secretary of State for Scotland and his Ministerial colleagues had a large number of informative and useful meetings with organisations, groups and individuals covering a wide range of devolution-related issues. There were also a large number of meetings between officials and interested parties and a large volume of correspondence at both Ministerial and official level both before and after the introduction of the Bill. During these meetings and in correspondence many points of detail relevant to the drafting of the Scotland Bill were raised including the definition of the "legal profession" contained in Schedule 5 of the Bill. Careful consideration was given within Government to all the points made, including this particular point.