Period Between General Election and Referendum

Part of Orders of the Day — Scotland Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 February 1978.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr John Smith Mr John Smith , Lanarkshire North 12:00, 14 February 1978

I am afraid that, much as I am anxious to help my hon. Friend, I do not think that I can answer questions about hypothetical amendments. The new clause on the Amendment Paper specifies three months. I think that that is too long a period of time, bearing in mind our experience of General Election campaigns and of the referendum held in Britain on the Common Market. It would be wise for the House, bearing in mind the assurance I have given, and the important fact that it is the House which would take the final decision, not to tie its hands in advance.