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Response to Queen's Speech
25/05/2010
Scotland needs a further devolution of responsibilities, Minister for Parliamentary Business Bruce Crawford said today as he responded to the UK legislative programme outlined in the Queen's Speech.
Mr Crawford said:
"Today's Queen's Speech sets out the UK legislative programme for the first parliamentary session of the new UK Government.
"Of the 24 bills mentioned in the Speech, 5 are likely to require the consent of the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Parliament will consider Legislative Consent Motions covering these bills in the normal way.
"We welcome the inclusion of a Scotland Bill in the programme, because the case for further responsibilities for the Scottish Parliament and Government carries support right across the spectrum in Scotland. Both the National Conversation and the Commission on Scottish Devolution demonstrated that the people of Scotland want increased powers for our Parliament.
"And where there is consensus on key improvements - such as transferring responsibility for air weapons, drink driving limits, and the running of Scottish Parliamentary elections - we believe there is a responsibility to act quickly. The Scottish Parliament has already endorsed these changes, and the Government drafted and published the necessary Parliamentary Orders. We are ready to play our part in delivering.
"The Scottish Parliament and Government also need real financial powers and fiscal responsibility. Along with a broad range of expert opinion in Scotland, we believe that the key Calman recommendations in this area are flawed, and indeed have been overtaken by events. Therefore, we would welcome opportunities for ongoing discussion with the UK Government in order that Scotland is in a position to take the action needed to grow the economy and boost prosperity for all who live here."
Mr Crawford also gave further detail of the Legislative Consent Motions which will be brought forward in the Scottish Parliament. These proposed legislative changes will be in addition to the Scottish Government's own legislative programme.
He continued:
"The Scottish Government expects to lodge memoranda and motions for the relevant UK Bills once they are introduced in the UK Parliament. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine matters on the basis of its democratic mandate."
The UK bills which the Scottish Government currently expects to give rise to Legislative Consent Motions in the Scottish Parliament are:
Energy Security and Green Economy Bill - A Bill for England, Wales and Scotland to "deliver a national programme of energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses. It may also introduce powers to regulate the emissions from coal-fired power stations, reform energy markets and put in place a framework to guide the development of a smart grid that will revolutionise the management of supply and demand for electricity. The UK Government may also legislate to set up a Green Investment Bank." Some measures may have devolved aspects.
Health Bill - A Bill for England to "implement the UK Government's proposals for a sustainable national framework for the NHS; to support a patient-led NHS focused on outcomes; and to deliver on the commitment to reduce bureaucracy". May contain provisions relating to public health and require technical changes to Scottish legislation as a consequence of re-organisation in England.
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill - A Bill for England and Wales "to make the police service more accountable to local people and set out measures to tackle alcohol-related violence and disorder". Proposals to create a dedicated Border Police Force would apply to the UK as a whole. Consent may be required in relation to technical provisions in Scottish legislation.
Public Bodies (Reform) Bill - A Bill for England and Wales to "ensure that there will be a greater degree of transparency and accountability for all Public Bodies ('quangos'); and provide Ministers with the powers to abolish, merge or transfer functions". Where changes affect bodies exercising devolved as well as reserved functions, consent will be sought.
Scotland Bill - A Bill for Scotland to "implement recommendations of the Final Report of the Commission on Scottish Devolution (the Calman Commission)". The main elements of the Bill will be made clear in due course. Any alteration to devolved competence would require legislative consent.
It is possible that further opportunities to legislate for Scotland by means of Legislative Consent Motion may occur in connection with other UK bills, including Private Member's bills. Any additional proposals of this kind, together with any relevant amendments to the Government bills listed above, will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise, in line with the requirements of Standing Orders.