Scotland Bill

I have just set out the criteria against which we would assess any suggested further amendments. There is scope within the passage of the Bill to consider those points further. On the hon. Gentleman's fundamental point, my argument right from the start, which I believe has had a degree of cross-party consensus, is that it is important that we empower Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament with these new arrangements to enable them to get on with their jobs. The measures enhance Ministers' economic powers and the accountability of the Scottish Parliament. I do not believe that delaying those measures is in anybody's interest. We do not know what the terms of any referendum will be or what type of independence will be offered.