§ Mr. Reidasked the Lord President ot the Council on what dates he has had discussions with the Civil Service unions regarding the establishment of a separate Scottish Civil Service responsible to the Scottish Assembly.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI have been asked to reply.
On 15th April my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal and I received at its request a deputation from the National Staff Side to hear its views on the implications of devolution for the Civil Service. As has been made clear on a number of occasions, it would be premature to reach decisions at this stage on the administrative arrangements to support devolution to the new Scottish Assembly.