Written question asked by Michael Colvin (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 July 1997. It was answered by Henry McLeish (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Answer: Mr. Colvin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the date of the Scottish Assembly referendum. [7662] Mr. McLeish: The referendum on the establishment and tax-varying powers of a Scottish Parliament will be held by this Autumn. My noble Friend Lord Sewel gave an undertaking during Committee on the Referendums (Scotland and Wales) Bill in another place that the Government would announce the date of the referendum by Report. [House of Lords O.R. Volume 581 Number 25. Column 103]. On the currently envisaged timetable, the date will therefore be announced by 21 July.

Secondary information