Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Connarty Excerpts

Wednesday 15th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

2. What assessment he has made of the implications for Government policy of the outcome of the referendum on independence for Scotland.

[Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab)]

3. What assessment he has made of the implications for Government policy of the outcome of the referendum on independence for Scotland.

[Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab)]

7. What assessment he has made of the implications for Government policy of the outcome of the referendum on independence for Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Alistair Carmichael]

This matter was dealt with at length yesterday in the House. I have always been of the view that completing the job of devolution will unlock the door to further constitutional reform across the United Kingdom. I caution the hon. Gentleman, however, that in seeking to devolve within Parliament without devolving within the Executive, we could be replacing one messy system with another.

[Michael Connarty]

I call on the Government to stop the clock on decisions on fracking for ethane in Scotland under the present reserved powers for the UK. It is quite clear that the matter should now lie with the Scottish people in the Scottish Parliament. I am calling for that to be devolved as a policy response to the referendum decision.

[Mr Carmichael]

I look forward to reading the hon. Gentleman’s full submission, making that case, to Lord Smith’s commission. The hon. Gentleman will be mindful, however, that significant powers have already been given to the Scottish Parliament and Government through control of planning law, which would have a significant effect on the issue that he raises.