87. There are a few matters of detail on which we should like to comment.

88. The first concerns the number of constituency MSPs, which is related to the number of Westminster MPs elected to Scottish constituencies. A Boundary Commission has recommended that these Westminster seats be reduced by some 20%, a reduction which is likely to come into force shortly after the first Scottish parliamentary elections. As Mr McLeish told us in July 'the face of the Bill currently has a position whereby if there are changes in the Scottish MPs there will be commensurate changes in the number of MSPs attending Holyrood'.[114] We do not feel it would be conducive to harmony in the first Scottish Parliament that MSPs should have to compete among themselves for nomination to a reduced number of seats available in the second term so we recommend that there should be a separate Boundary Commission for Scottish Parliament constituencies.

89. We were concerned that the arrangements for the first elections to the Scottish Parliament might be confusing. In particular we feared that although the Scottish parliamentary elections and local government elections are to be held on the same day, the polling hours might be different for each. The Scottish Office supplied us with supplementary evidence[115] and we were pleased to learn that, while the actual hours have not been decided they will be the same for both polls.

90. The Scottish Parliament is to have no second chamber. We have no comment to make on this as a principle, but it will make it particularly important to ensure that legislation is well-drafted when it is first introduced as there will be no revising chamber. We are sure that the Scottish Parliament will take particular pains to ensure that its pre-legislative processes include the widest and most thorough consultation, including public consultation, before Bills are introduced.

91. The regional MSPs are to be elected on a closed list system, that is the electors cast a vote for a party and the names of the candidates do not appear on the ballot paper though the Minister assured us that 'there would be a publication exercise to make sure that people are aware these are the names which are on the list'.[116] We are aware that in some regions—in Bavaria for instance—the party list is an open one so that electors can alter the order of names and, consequently, the successful candidates. We heard about 30% of voters altered the order of candidates on the party list and that it was generally beneficial to female candidates (though the number of women elected can also be influenced by the party when drawing up lists under the closed list system). We feel that an open list would be more in keeping with the principle of trusting the people and giving them the maximum choice.

115  Ev.p.5. Back

116  Q379. Back