Referendum (Scotland) Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Scotland Office

Referendum (Scotland)

Mark Lazarowicz Excerpts
Monday 15th October 2012

(12 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I do not agree with the hon. Lady’s proposition. The Government’s position approaching the discussions on the agreement was that the referendum should be made in Scotland and that the necessary powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government would encounter significant political difficulties, were they to become the first Government in the history of the UK to ignore the views of the Electoral Commission.

Mark Lazarowicz Portrait Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/Co-op)
- Hansard - -

Why would it not be possible for the voter registration form in 2013 to ask for the details of anyone who would be over 16 on the date of the referendum? Is that too obvious, or is it a simple solution?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

That power has not been devolved to the Scottish Parliament in terms of the order agreed today.