§ Mr. Reidasked the Lord President of the Council how many full-time and part-time staff, from outwith the regular Civil Service, are available to the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for devolution; and if he will give their names, former positions, and responsibilities.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNone.
§ Mr. Reidasked the Lord President of the Council (1) whether the devolution unit at the Cabinet Office is now fully staffed, or whether he anticipates further appointments; and if so, approximately how many;
(2) how many full-time and part-time staff, on secondment from outwith the Civil Service, are attached to the new devolution unit at the Cabinet Office; and if he will give in each case the approximate period of attachment, names, former positions and salaries;
(3) how many regular civil servants are permanently attached to the devolution unit at the Cabinet Office; and what are their grades.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Constitutional Unit in the Cabinet Office is expected to build up to about two dozen full-time members, including legal and supporting staff. About half this number are already in post including, at Assistant Secretary level and above, one Second Permanent Secretary, one Under-Secretary and one Assistant Secretary. Further senior appointments will be made in the next week or two.
No appointments at Assistant Secretary level or above have been made from outside the Civil Service.
§ Mr. Reidasked the Lord President of the Council what studies he has authorised, in the event of Scotland gaining independence, into the economic and constitutional consequences for the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIn common with the great majority of people in Scotland the Government are opposed to separatism. Accordingly, the need for such studies does not arise and none has been authorised.