Scotland Bill

Lord Scott of Foscote Excerpts

Tuesday 8th December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I would respond to my noble friend by saying that anything is possible.

[Lord Scott of Foscote]

The debate at the moment seems to be concerned exclusively with primary legislation. Clause 2 is concerned with primary legislation made by Parliament, but the bulk of legislation these days is made by statutory instrument—made under powers that are granted by Parliament, of course, and many of these are existing powers—but I cannot see anything in the Bill that really grapples with the position of statutory legislation as opposed to primary. I wonder if that is an oversight or whether it is intended.

[Lord Keen of Elie]

If I may, I shall respond to the observations from the noble and learned Lord, Lord Scott, after the dinner break. I confess it is not immediately apparent to me what the thrust of his point was, and maybe I am missing it, but I shall give it some consideration.

--- Later in debate ---

Amendment 12 not moved.

[Lord Scott of Foscote (CB)]

My Lords, I wanted to say a word about Amendment 12.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, we had the opportunity to speak to this amendment in a previous grouping.