§ John RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the independent commission on electoral systems in Scotland(a) to begin and (b) to report on its work. [174426]
§ Mr. DarlingI am pleased to announce that Professor Sir John Arbuthnott has agreed to be chairman of the Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems. Sir John was Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde for nine years until 2000, and is currently chairman of the Greater Glasgow NHS Board. Membership of the Commission will be announced shortly.
The Commission will start work as soon as possible, and will be expected to complete its work in around 18 months.