Harriett Baldwin today maintained the pressure on the Government to debate the controversial West Lothian Question. The MP asked the Government for an update on proposals to convene a Commission to address the constitutional issue during questions to the Scottish Department in the House of Commons. Questioning Scotland Minister David Mundell, Harriett said: “Timing is of the essence here and the Commission will need time to consider the issue and Parliament will need time to consider the outcome of its recommendations. “It will be better to do this at a time of constitutional peace rather than constitutional crisis.” The Minister confirmed the Government’s commitment to establishing a Commission later this year to consider the West Lothian Question. He told the House: “I do respect the Honorable Lady’s passion on this subject and, of course, she has a Bill before this House which touches on these issues which I know will be heard on the first Friday of the September sitting, which will give the whole House to debate these issues. “I will convey her call for urgency to the Deputy Prime Minister.” Harriett has a Private Members’ Bill currently proceeding through Parliament to address the issue and define the way legislation is drawn up in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Her bill will return to the House of Commons floor in September for further debate. FULL TEXT: Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): What recent discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on establishing a commission on the West Lothian Question. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell): My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on a range of issues. The Government remain committed to establishing a commission later this year to consider the West Lothian question. Harriett Baldwin: Does the Minister agree that timing is of the essence here? This is a difficult question and the commission will need to consider its recommendations, after which this House will need time to consider the outcome. It would be much better if this were done at a time of constitutional peace rather than at a time of constitutional crisis. David Mundell: I respect my hon. Friend’s passion on this subject. She, of course, has a Bill before the House that touches on these issues. I understand that it will be heard on the first Friday of the September sitting, which will give the whole House an opportunity to debate the issues. I will convey my hon. Friend’s call for urgency to the Deputy Prime Minister. | Hansard