Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what his policy is on retaining abortion law as a reserved matter for the UK Parliament.

The Smith Commission Agreement stated that the parties are strongly of the view to recommend the devolution of abortion and regard it as an anomalous health reservation. They agree that further serious consideration should be given to its devolution and a process should be established immediately to consider the matter further.

In keeping with the Government’s commitment to implement the Smith Commission Agreement in full, the UK and Scottish Governments have established a process to consider this matter further. It is right that this process is able to take place and that this issue is given full and careful consideration.