Serious Fraud Office

Debate between Lord Maxton and Baroness Williams of Trafford

Wednesday 13th December 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I am aware of what the Scottish Conservatives are saying. Nevertheless, the desire for devolution, not only in Scotland and Wales, has been strong. Therefore, because this is a devolved matter, it is probably beyond my remit today. Of course, the Scottish Government have been strongly in favour of devolution.

[Lord Maxton (Lab)]

My Lords, I point out to the noble Baroness that of course transport is not just a Scottish matter; some transport crosses the border and comes into England as well. I travel down here every week by train; does that mean that the transport police will now stop at Carlisle and a new police force will have to take over thereafter?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I take the noble Lord’s point. I never realised that this Question would go down the transport line—otherwise, as I say, I would have listened more carefully to the noble Lord’s points in debate.

Northern Powerhouse

Debate between Lord Maxton and Baroness Williams of Trafford

Tuesday 24th November 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I thank my noble friend for that question. I was not aware that he had gone to Oxford in the recess—perhaps I should have been. He is absolutely right: town councils now feel very much more empowered in driving forward the future of their communities. So I am not surprised to hear that the particular town council he talked about was feeling very upbeat.

[Lord Maxton (Lab)]

My Lords, could the Minister explain the strange anomaly that seems to have arisen where her Tory Government grant devolution to local authorities, the northern powerhouse, et cetera, while the devolved Scottish Government are taking power away from local authorities in Scotland?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, the Scottish Government will have to answer to their electors in due course.