Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 24 January 2011.

Constitutional Convention

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in light of recent discussions about the status of England within the United Kingdom, what plans they have to set up a constitutional convention to consider the position; and whether they will propose a referendum in England to test support for an English parliament.

Answer: My honourable friend the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform informed the other place on 15 December 2010 (Hansard col. 822W) that the Government will make an announcement about our plans to establish a commission to consider the West Lothian question—the term used to sum up existing arrangements which allow MPs representing constituencies from devolved territories to vote on English-only matters. The Government are giving careful consideration to the timing, composition, scope and remit of the commission. Its work will need to take account of the proposals to reform this House to create a wholly or mainly elected second chamber, the changes being made to the way the other place does business and the amendments to the devolution regimes—for example, in the Scotland Bill presently before Parliament. We have no plans to propose a referendum in England.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5968; 724 c93-4WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: West Lothian Question
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; West Lothian
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Devolution England Referendums West Lothian question
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk