SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BILL IS A LOST OPPORTUNITY
February 9, 2004 12:00 AM
John Thurso, Liberal Democrat Opposition Spokesman for Scottish Affairs, today criticised the Government for refusing to consider STV for Scottish Parliament elections.
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill first debate in the House of Commons Lord Thurso said:
"While I welcome the introduction of legislation to retain the number of MSPs at 129, a move essential for the proper working of the Scottish Parliament, the bill has been drawn so tightly the Government has ruled out the opportunity even to discuss the electoral system for the Scottish Parliament.
"As it stands the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill will break the link between the Holyrood and Westminster boundaries. STV offers a real alternative - maintaining the number of MSPs and the coterminosity of the Westminster and Holyrood boundaries.
Commenting on the articles in the press this morning which state that Alistair Darling is to announce the setting up of a commission to look into the way the Scottish Parliament is elected John Thurso said:
"The timing of these reports seems a little convenient, but they merely emphasize the fact that the Government has missed a good opportunity to address this issue in the House.
John Thurso went on to condemn the Conservative amendment, which seeks to prevent a Second Reading of the bill:
"The Conservative and Unionist Party position lacks all credibility. During the passage of the Scotland Act their own spokesman in the Lords, the late Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish, called the proposed reduction of MSPs a 'daftness'. It merely demonstrates that the Tories have given up on making any advances in Scotland."
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