19 Jan 2006
Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling has today received the final report on boundary differences and voting systems from the Commission chaired by Sir John Arbuthnott.
Mr Darling said: "The report contains a number of interesting recommendations and proposals. I will consider these carefully and respond in due course. There is now an opportunity for full consideration and debate on these proposals.
"However, I can confirm today that should I decide to take forward any legislative changes these could not be made before the Holyrood election in 2007.
"I would like to thank Sir John Arbuthnott and the members of the Commission for their work ."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Secretary of State for Scotland set up the Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems in June 2004. Under the Chairmanship of Sir John Arbuthnott, it comprised a wide range of individuals from differing backgrounds including nominees put forward by individual political parties.
2. The Commission was charged with reporting to the Secretary of State for Scotland and to the First Minister who will now consider the detail of the Report most, but not all of which comes within reserved policy matters.
3. The remit and appointment of Sir John Arbuthnott as Chair of the Commission was announced on 25th May 2004, the membership on 21st July 2004. News releases are available at www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk