HC Deb 29 June 1976 vol 914 c71W
77. Mrs. Bain

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a ministerial broadcast on devolution to Scotland.

Mr. Foot

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Heffer

asked the Lord President of the Council if he can yet say at what stage in the forthcoming Session he proposes to introduce the Bill on devolution for Scotland and Wales; and if, in the light of the recent expression of opinion contained in the public opinion poll in Scotland, he will reconsider his decision not to hold a referendum on his proposals.

Mr. John Smith

As my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council indicated in his statement to the House on 25th May—[Vol. 912, c. 270–3.]—the Government are determined to introduce the devolution Bill at the beginning of the next Session. I noted with interest the results of the recent opinion poll, but I do not consider that they make a referendum necessary.