Orders of the Day — Scotland Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 February 1978.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Timothy Raison Mr Timothy Raison , Aylesbury 12:00, 22 February 1978

The Secretary of State has just told the House that in his view there was no important issue that did not receive adequate discussion. One extremely important issue that was not discussed was incomes policy. The right hon. Gentleman said in a rather airy way that he did not mind losing Clause 40; it was declamatory and did not mean anything. One of the strongest criticisms of the scheme put forward by the Government is that it would be possible for a Scottish Assembly to have no regard for the incomes policy. The Assembly could go for 20 per cent. payments to its servants when the country was thinking in terms of 10 per cent. That has never been discussed. It is a matter of major significance. Surely the Secretary of State accepts that he cannot toss that on one side.