Constitutional Reform: Referendums Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Campbell of Alloway
Main Page: Lord Campbell of Alloway (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Campbell of Alloway's debates with the Ministry of Justice
(13 years, 10 months ago)
Lords ChamberNo, I cannot give such guarantees. The Parliament Acts are there for the judgment of the Government of the day. As I have said previously, whether there should a referendum to consult is a matter for the judgment of the Parliament of the day.
Does not the constitutional process to which my noble friend referred require pre-legislative scrutiny of a constitutional Bill, not only of the Bill currently before the House but any Bill?
I think that all parties agree that pre-legislative scrutiny is a good idea—certainly, I have been supportive of it—but, as we have said, it is not always possible when a radical and reforming Government hit the ground running.