Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 November 2005 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Devolution

Question: What advice was sought or given by the Advocate-General on the question of the Government's terrorism legislation? We know that the Home Secretary, in an arrogant and dismissive attitude to Scots law, did not seek the advice of the Lord Advocate and we know that, in a craven way, neither the Lord Advocate nor the First Minister offered advice. The Advocate-General has a role in those matters, so will the Minister tell us whether she was treated in the same dismissive and contemptuous way?

Answer: The Advocate-General is a UK Law Officer and as such takes part in a wide range of discussions on all aspects of UK law. Terrorism legislation is entirely a reserved matter. Discussions took place between officials at the Home Office and the Crown Office on how the issues would be implemented, but they are reserved matters and it was for the House to decide.

Secondary information