HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 c602W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he will ensure that legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament is compatible with European Union or other international obligations of the UK. [11808]

Mr. McLeish

The Government's proposals are set out in paragraphs 4.18–4.21 of "Scotland's Parliament"—Cm 3658—in respect of international obligations and in paragraph 5.8 in respect of European Union obligations.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the distinction between the specification of(a) devolved and (b) reserved powers for the Scottish Parliament. [11810]

Mr. McLeish

In order to ensure maximum clarity and stability, the Government have proposed that the legislation establishing the Scottish Parliament should list the matters to be reserved to the UK Parliament rather than specify devolved matters.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Ponsonby rule will be applied in the Scottish Parliament. [11807]

Mr. McLeish

The Ponsonby rule applies to the ratification of international treaties. Since under the Government's proposals international relations would be reserved to Westminster, the Ponsonby rule would not apply to the business of the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the role of the Lord Advocate in respect of advice given to(a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the United Kingdom Parliament; [11798]

(2) if he will make a statement on the nature of the Lord Advocate's accountability to the Westminster Parliament following the introduction of a Scottish Parliament; [11799]

(3) if he will make a statement on the role and responsibilities of the Lord Advocate in respect of (a) law reform issues, (b) the Scottish prosecution service, (c) the administration of Scottish criminal matters in England and (d) the appointment of judges following the introduction of a Scottish Assembly. [11800]

Mr. McLeish

I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.