§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the purpose of referendums is a means of consulting the people or gaining their consent upon the issue at hand.
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe precise purpose of referendums will depend on the issue in question; but in all cases there will be elements both of consultation and also of seeking consent.
Before the proposed referendums for Scotland and Wales are held, the Government intend to publish their devolution proposals in White Papers. The people of Scotland and Wales will be asked whether they support the Government's proposals. If they do, substantive legislation will be brought forward.