Written question asked by Annabelle Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 10 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 February 2003. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2003 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, on how many occasions the Sewel Convention has been invoked since the inception of the Scottish Parliament; and on how many occasions the Convention was invoked at the initiative of (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) the UK Government.

Answer: Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions the Sewel Convention has been invoked since the inception of the Scottish Parliament; and on how many occasions the Convention was invoked at the initiative of (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) the UK Government. [97830] Mrs. Liddell: The Memorandum of Understanding indicates there will be consultation with the Scottish Executive on policy proposals affecting devolved matters whether or not they involve legislative change. In practice, this means that there is ongoing dialogue between the Scottish Executive and Government departments, including the Scotland Office. For this reason it is impossible to determine at whose initiative discussions about the use of the Sewell convention begin, as they usually take place in the context of wider and on-going discussions. As a matter of principle, either the Government or the Scottish Executive can take the initiative in establishing whether Sewel consent is needed. It is for the Scottish Executive to indicate the view of the Scottish Parliament and to take whatever steps are appropriate to ascertain that view. The Scottish Parliament has agreed to 39 Sewell motions since its inception.

Secondary information