Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Wednesday 15th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

It disappoints me that the hon. Gentleman has so little faith and confidence in the voters of Scotland. I believe they were quite capable of seeing through bluff and bluster from any campaign. They voted in the way they wanted, which was to keep Scotland as part of the United Kingdom.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

5. What the Government’s timetable is for constitutional reform in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alistair Carmichael)]

Lord Smith of Kelvin has agreed to oversee the process to take forward devolution commitments to Scotland. Lord Smith will publish his proposals by the end of November. The Government will publish draft clauses by 25 January 2015.

[Ian Lucas]

Will the Secretary of State confirm that compliance with the vows given to the Scottish people ahead of the referendum will in no way be contingent on other constitutional reform within the United Kingdom?

[Mr Carmichael]

I can confirm that absolutely for the umpteenth time from this Dispatch Box. There will be no delay while the rest of the UK catches up with Scotland.