Clause 5 - Referendums: frequency
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby, Labour)
I have listened closely to the Minister, and it seems evident that, as a mere Minister, he is right that he is obliged to act according to what Parliament has said in terms of the precedent of the Greater London Authority (Referendum) Act, the Referendums (Scotland and Wales) Act and, indeed, the Referendum Act. In that respect, the advice is clear. To breach that precedent would provoke a debate in which the Minister would not want to engage.