§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings of the Scottish Grand Committee he plans to hold up to April 1997; and how many times(a) the Prime Minister and (b) other Cabinet Ministers will attend. [25491]
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 16 April 1996]: Last Session, there were four meetings of the Grand Committee in Scotland. So far this Session there have been eight meetings of the Grand Committee in Scotland and I hope that there will be a further four or five before the summer recess. As for next Session, I hope that up to eight meetings will take place in Scotland before April 1997. I acknowledge that the hon. Lady and her party have an excellent record of attendance at meetings of the Grand Committee and I would be happy to discuss with her any suggestions she has for venues and subjects to debate.
Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's successful visit to Aberdeen in February, I expect that other members of the Government will participate as appropriate.