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Scottish Parliament with develop links with Europe - Dewar
10/02/1998
The Scottish Parliament will maintain and develop links with Europe, the Rt Hon Donald Dewar MP, Secretary of State for Scotland said at the Lothian European Lecture in Edinburgh today.
Responding to the lecture given by the Catalonian President Jordi Pujol Mr Dewar said that existence of clear and distinctive domestic voices from regional government was already a source of strength for many Member States including Spain.
"I am confident that devolution will be of great benefit to Scotland and the United Kingdom. Those who doubt that devolution and prosperity can go together need only look to Spain's experience. Nearly all modern European states have recognised the benefits which devolved government brings."
The Secretary of State said that the Scottish Parliament was equipped with a full set of European powers.
"The new Scottish Parliament will scrutinise and debate proposals for European legislation, to ensure that Scotland's interests are properly reflected and it will be open to the Parliament to set up its own Scrutiny Committee, like that at Westminster. The Parliament will be able to invite witnesses and ask questions on European issues.
"The Scottish Executive will have statutory responsibility to observe and implement in Scotland all the EU obligations concerning devolved matters and the Scottish Executive will propose, and the Scottish Parliament approve, Scottish nominations for the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee.
"The UK, as the Member State, will continue to be responsible for overall relationships with Europe and will conduct formal negotiations. But Ministers and officials of the Scottish Executive will be fully involved in the formulation of UK policy positions.
"Scottish Ministers will have a role to play in relevant meetings of the Council of Ministers. This represents continuity, not change. A Scottish Executive is also likely to set up a representative office in Brussels, to help Scotland build direct relationships with other regional governments and with the Communities' institutions, and provide an effective channel of communication.
"The Scottish Parliament and Executive will build on what is already there and will play a full role in the EU business most closely affecting Scotland.
"The existence of clear and distinctive domestic voices from regional government is already a source of strength for many Member States, including Spain. I am confident that devolution will be of great benefit to Scotland, within a strengthened and rejuvenated United Kingdom.
News Release: 0254/98
February 9, 1998