HC Deb 05 March 1980 vol 980 cc188-9W
21. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has now been made in the all-party talks on devolution.

Mr. Younger

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I have completed discussions with each of the parties on the terms of reference for the talks. The Labour and Liberal parties have agreed to join us in talks to consider whether the present system of government in Scotland can be improved by changes to the arrangements for the conduct of Scottish parliamentary business.

We have proposed that the first meeting should be held before the end of this month, and I very much hope that the other parties will agree to this.