Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 January 1998. It was answered by Henry McLeish (Labour) on Thursday, 22 January 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what basis the Minister of State asserted in his oral statement on 13th January, Official Report, 304 c157, that asymetric devolution should improve the Government of the United Kingdom. - (Holding answer 16 January 1998).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what basis the Minister of State asserted in his oral statement on 13 January 1998, Official Report, column 157, that asymmetric devolution should improve the government of the United Kingdom. [23532] Mr. McLeish: [holding answer 16 January 1998]: My hon. Friend's statement reflects the Government's belief that the government of the United Kingdom will be improved by the decentralisation of power throughout Britain. The Government are committed to a programme of devolution appropriate to the needs and aspirations of each part of the United Kingdom which brings government closer to the people and gives people more control over their own affairs.

Secondary information