The British Government yesterday published the parliamentary Bill paving the way for Scotland's first parliament in 300 years. The Scottish Secretary, Mr Donald Dewar, hailed the Bill - comprising 88 pages, and 40,000 words - as a "remarkable technical achievement" and the "pathway" to Scotland's future.
Mr Dewar - widely tipped as a possible First Minister in the Edinburgh Parliament - said the Bill enshrined a far-reaching settlement and provided the basis for a new politics in Scotland: "This Bill will give Scotland the power to boost its self-confidence - economically, culturally and politically. For the United Kingdom we have delivered a new constitutional foundation - binding Scotland into the UK and giving her the opportunity to take responsibility for her own affairs."
Citing the massive endorsement of the Scottish electorate in last September's referendum, Mr Dewar warned the Conservative Party in the House of Lords not to try and delay or disrupt the passage of the Bill which aims to see the new parliament operational by January 2000.
For the Conservatives, constitutional affairs spokesman, Mr Michael Ancram voiced concern that the entire Bill would not be taken on the floor of the House of Commons, insisting parliamentary convention demanded that all constitutional legislation be scrutinised on the floor of the House and not be delegated to a standing committee.
Mr Ancram reopened the political argument, citing "glaring" inconsistencies and a failure in the Bill to deal with the number of Scottish MPs to be left at Westminster after issues like Health and Education had been taken away from them
Address Scotland's position in Europe, and to clarify the position on resourcing Scotland following devolution.
The Scottish National Party welcomed the Bill while saying it saw devolution as part of the process toward greater Scottish selfdetermination. The Scottish Liberal Democrats expressed delight at the prospect of a Scottish parliament with tax raising powers.
The leader of the new parliament will be known as the First Minister, responsible to the Crown and shall be the Keeper of the Scottish Seal. The Speaker will be known as the Presiding Officer and there will be ministers as at Westminster.
In a number of changes, the Bill makes provision for individuals to seek election alongside parties on the proposed regional lists, and for the new parliament to pass legislation on dangerous dogs.
The Bill includes provision to review the number of Scottish seats at Westminster through the Boundary Commission.