UK Parliament / Open data

Devolution and the Union

Proceeding contribution from Alan Reid (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 20 November 2014. It occurred during Backbench debate on Devolution and the Union.

The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting point. Legislation does not of itself lead to more spending. We allocate spending when we pass the estimates every year. Although legislation may mean that carrying out certain functions costs more money, the decisions on spending are made only when we pass the estimates. Certainly when we pass the estimates for the English health service, there is a knock-on effect for Scotland. It

is perfectly in order for Members of Parliament representing constituencies outside England to vote on those issues, but legislation purely for the English health service could be left to the English representatives. But the only way that that can happen in practice is if we set up a federal United Kingdom with an English Parliament. If Members cannot vote on some issues in this Parliament, it will lead to a situation in which a Government cannot get their policies through.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
588 c482 
Session
2014-15
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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