§ 30. Mr. Rifkindasked the Lord President of the Council whether he will hold discussions with the Boundaries Commission with regard to the method of election to the Scottish Assembly.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe method of election is not a matter for the Commission.
§ 31. Mr. Fairbairnasked the Lord President of the Council how many additional or how many fewer civil servants his Department will require to run Scottish affairs after the establishment of a Scottish Assembly; and what is the anticipated additional cost that a Scottish Assembly and its ancillary staffing will impose on the taxpayer.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerThe hon. and learned Gentleman is referring to a Question originally tabled to the Secretary of State for Scotland, and refers to civil servants in that Department rather than my own. Manpower and other costs will be covered in the forthcoming White Paper. I would ask the hon. Member to await its publication.