Time of Election and Term of Office of Members of Assembly

Part of Orders of the Day — Scotland and Wales Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 February 1977.

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Photo of Sir Raymond Gower Sir Raymond Gower , Barry 12:00, 1 February 1977

In view of what you have said, Sir Myer, I shall not respond to the hon. Gentleman's question.

The amendment is not inconsistent with the holding of a referendum, but it has many advantages over it. After all, the referendum depends very much on the nature of the question and how it is framed. The proposal in the amendment is for a General Election at which, for the first time, the electors at large will recognise the vital importance of this issue. It will be based not on one or two narrow questions but on the whole principle of this legislation. I therefore hope that the Government will consider the amendment. They could with advantage include it in the Bill: it would improve it.