Elections

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 30 November 2004.

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Photo of Alistair Darling Alistair Darling The Secretary of State for Scotland, The Secretary of State for Transport 11:30, 30 November 2004

I can understand the hon. Gentleman's irritation that his prepared question has now been overtaken by very recent events—that is very hard, but it happens to the best of us.

I have the report and I need to consider it. I understand that it comprises some 17 chapters, which I will have to look at, but I intend to lay the order before the House as quickly as possible. All being well, assuming that it gets the approval of both Houses, I hope that it will be in force in February, in ample time for any election that may take place next year, or indeed the year after.