§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Scottish Parliament will have the power to refuse to implement any United Kingdom tax proposals. [23306]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 16 January 1998]: It would not be for the Scottish Parliament to implement UK tax proposals. Under the proposals in the Scotland Bill, the Scottish Parliament will have full legislative competence over local taxation to fund local authority expenditure. In addition, the Scottish Parliament would be able to exercise the tax-varying power provided by Part IV of the Bill. Otherwise decisions on taxation will be for the United Kingdom Parliament and Government.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his current estimate of the costs of temporary accommodation and facilities for a Scottish Parliament in each year before a new building on the Holyrood site is completed. [23850]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 19 January 1998]: A number of venues are being considered but it is too early to say at this stage what the estimated costs will be. My right hon. Friend intends to make an announcement on temporary accommodation by Easter.
§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hon. Members were briefed about the details of the proposals for siting the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood before the decision was made on the site. [23538]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 19 January 1998]: My right hon. Friend had discussions with all the main Opposition Parties in Scotland before reaching his final decision.