Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what assessment he has made of the benefits of devolution to the people of (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment he has made of the benefits of devolution to the people of (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland. [204979] Mr. Lammy: The aim of the Government's programme of devolution in Scotland and Wales was to decentralise power and to allow people to take decisions on important matters at a local level. Devolution has achieved this and has improved democratic accountability. As the devolved institutions bed down, the benefits of the distinctive opportunities, choices and results of devolution will continue to be realised across a broad range of areas in Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Irish Government are engaged with the political parties in a continuing effort to restore the devolved institutions on a stable and inclusive basis.

Secondary information