Scotland Bill

Page 23, line 6, at end insert—

“(9) This section is subject to section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax).”

Page 23, line 6, at end insert—

“( ) If the application of the Scottish Rate would result in a Scottish taxpayer paying a higher rate of tax on non-savings income than an equivalent taxpayer in the rest of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Parliament shall consult interested parties before passing such a resolution.”

Page 23, line 6, at end insert—

“80CA Referendum on increasing Scottish rate of income tax

(1) This subsection applies if the motion tabled by a member of the Scottish Government for a Scottish rate resolution proposes that the basic, higher or additional rate of income tax for a tax year for Scottish taxpayers is to be above the rates set for taxpayers in the rest of the United Kingdom as determined under section 6(2) of the Income Tax Act 2007.

(2) If subsection (1) applies Her Majesty must by Order in Council cause a referendum to be held throughout Scotland about whether the basic, higher or additional rate (as the case may be) of income tax for the relevant tax year for Scottish taxpayers should be set as proposed in the motion.

(3) If the majority of the voters in a referendum held by virtue of subsection (2) vote in favour of the proposed rate or rates of income tax the Scottish Parliament may consider the motion for a Scottish rate resolution under section 80C.

(4) But if they do not, the Income Tax Acts have effect for that year in respect of the rate of income tax that was the subject of the referendum.

(5) For further provision about referendums held by virtue of this section see Schedule (Referendums on commencement of sections 30 to 32 or increasing Scottish rate of income tax).”

Page 23, line 10, leave out “A”

Page 23, line 10, leave out “or C” and insert “, C or D”

Page 23, line 10, at end insert—

“(1A) If the activity which allows T to meet conditions A, B, C or D is undertaken for some but not all of the tax year then T shall be a Scottish taxpayer only for that period of the year and a UK taxpayer for the remainder of it.”

Page 23, leave out lines 11 and 12

Page 23, leave out lines 14 and 15

Page 23, leave out lines 18 to 21

Page 23, line 21, at end insert—

“(d) a judge, peer or civil servant with responsibilities for, or a close connection with, Scotland (see section 80E)”

Page 23, line 21, at end insert—

“( ) T meets condition D if, for the whole or any part of the year, T is a serving full-time member of the armed forces and has a close connection with Scotland (see section 80E) arising from a place or places of residence that is or are in their personal ownership and not rented from or otherwise provided by their employer.”

Page 23, line 22, at end insert—

“(6) Any organisation collecting, or administrating the collection of, income tax from Scottish taxpayers shall consider appeals against its decisions and formal complaints from individuals by operating a system which includes—

(a) a two stage appeal process within the body,

(b) independent review by The Adjudicator’s Office, and

(c) final review by the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

(7) Appeals against the decision that an individual has met a condition to be a Scottish taxpayer will be considered under the process set out in subsection (6).”

Page 23, line 23, leave out from beginning to end of line 2 on page 24

Page 24, line 16, at end insert—

“(3) In this section “day” means a period of twenty-four hours terminating at midnight.”

Page 24, line 33, at end insert—

“(3A) Before exercising any power under subsection (1) or (2), the Treasury must consult Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Parliament and other interested parties.”

Page 24, leave out lines 34 to 36

Page 24, line 36, at end insert—

“(4A) Before exercising any power under this section, the Treasury must—

(a) consult widely on its plans, and

(b) obtain the consent of the Scottish Parliament.”

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 30 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 31 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 32 stand part of the Bill.

Insert the following new Clause—

Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council cause a referendum to be held throughout Scotland about whether sections 30 to 32 should come into force.

(2) If the majority of the voters in a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1) vote in favour of those sections coming into force, they are to come into force in accordance with section (Commencement of sections 30 to 32).

(3) But if they do not, that does not prevent the making of a subsequent Order in Council under subsection (1).

(4) No recommendation is to be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under subsection (1) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order in Council has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament and the Scottish Parliament.

(5) But subsection (4) is not satisfied unless the resolution of the Scottish Parliament is passed on a vote in which the number of members of the Parliament voting in favour of it is not less than two-thirds of the total number of seats in the Parliament.

(6) A draft of a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under subsection (1) may not be laid before either House of Parliament, or the Scottish Parliament, until the Secretary of State has undertaken such consultation as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(7) For further provision about referendums held by virtue of subsection (1) see Schedule (Referendums on commencement of sections 30 to 32).”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Proposal for referendum by Scottish Parliament

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the Scottish Parliament passes a resolution moved by the First Minister or a Scottish Minister that, in its opinion, a recommendation should be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1), and

(b) the resolution of the Scottish Parliament is passed on a vote in which the number of members of the Parliament voting in favour of it is not less than two-thirds of the total number of seats in the Parliament.

(2) The First Minister must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the resolution is passed, ensure that notice in writing of the resolution is given to the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 120 days beginning immediately after the day on which it is received—

(a) lay a draft of a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) before each House of Parliament, or

(b) give notice in writing to the First Minister of the Secretary of State’s refusal to do so and the reasons for that refusal.

(4) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the First Minister receives notice given under subsection (3)(b)—

(a) the First Minister must lay a copy of the notice before the Scottish Parliament, and

(b) the Scottish Parliament must ensure that the notice is published.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Commencement of sections 30 to 32

(1) This section applies where the majority of the voters in a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) are in favour of sections 30 to 32 coming into force.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for sections 30 to 32 to come into force on the date specified in the order.

(3) No order is to be made under subsection (2) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Scottish rate of income tax: transitional costs

(1) Prior to their coming into force, the Secretary of State shall publish an impact assessment setting out the costs of sections 30, 31 and 32.

(2) A draft version of the impact assessment to be published under subsection (1) must be sent to the Scottish Government and to the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

(3) Upon receipt of the draft impact assessment under subsection (2), the Scottish Government shall have 28 days to prepare and deliver any response that it should wish to make to the Secretary of State, and during this time, the Secretary of State must not publish the completed impact assessment.

(4) The Secretary of State may choose to take into consideration the response received from the Scottish Government but is not required to do so.

(5) The consultation process set out in subsections (2), (3) and (4) may be repeated.

(6) At the time of publication of the impact assessment under subsection (1), the Secretary of State shall also publish all responses that the Secretary of State has received from the Scottish Government under subsection (3).

(7) The costs of sections 30, 31 and 32 identified by the impact assessment shall be borne by the Scottish Government.”

Page 27, line 1, at end insert—

“(3) The tax may only be charged by the Scottish Government.

(4) The tax shall be set at a uniform rate across Scotland.”

Page 27, leave out lines 3 to 20

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 33 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 34 stand part of the Bill.

Page 28, line 19, at end insert “and must be set at a uniform rate throughout Scotland”

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 35 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 36 stand part of the Bill.

Insert the following new Clause—

“Air passenger duty

(1) In Part 4A of the 1998 Act (as inserted by section 28), after Chapter 4 (inserted by section 35) insert—

80L Air passenger duty

(1) A duty of excise which is levied on the carriage, from a Scottish airport, of chargeable passengers on chargeable aircraft, is a devolved tax.

(2) In this section—

“chargeable passenger” refers, subject to sections 31 and 32 of the Finance Act 1994, to every passenger on an aircraft if their flight begins at an airport in Scotland;

“chargeable aircraft” refers, subject to section 29 of the Finance Act 1994, to every aircraft designed or adapted to carry persons in addition to the flight crew.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Disapplication of UK air passenger duty

(1) Part 1 of the Finance Act 1994 (Customs and Excise) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 28(4) (Air passenger duty) for “the United Kingdom” substitute “England and Wales or Northern Ireland”.

(3) This section has effect in relation to carriage that occurs on or after such date as is appointed by the Treasury by order under this subsection.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Alcoholic liquor duties

(1) In Part 4A of the 1998 Act (as inserted by section 28), after Chapter 5 (inserted by section 36A) insert—

80M Alcoholic liquor duties

An excise duty which is levied on the alcoholic liquors which are subject to excise duty under this Act, that is to say—

(a) spirits,

(b) beer,

(c) wine,

(d) made-wine, and

(e) cider;

is a devolved tax.”

(2) Duty may not be charged in accordance with the provision inserted by this section on sales of alcoholic liquor if the sale occurs before the date appointed under section (Disapplication of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979)(3).”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Disapplication of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979

(1) Part 1 of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 (preliminary) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 1(1) (the alcoholic liquors dutiable under this Act) after the first “duty” insert “within England, Wales and Northern Ireland”.

(3) This section has effect in relation to sales of alcoholic liquor that occur on or after such date as is appointed by the Treasury by order under this subsection.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Aggregates levy

(1) In Part 4A of the 1998 Act (as inserted by section 28), after Chapter 6 (inserted by section 36C) insert—

80N Aggregates Levy

(1) A levy charged on aggregate subjected to commercial exploitation is a devolved tax.

(2) In this section “aggregate” means (subject to subsections 4 and 5 below)—

(a) any rock, gravel or sand, together with whatever substances are for the time being incorporated in the rock, gravel or sand or naturally occur mixed with it, and

(b) the spoil, waste, off-cuts and other by-products resulting from the application of any exempt process to any aggregate;

but does not mean anything else resulting from the application of exempt process to any aggregate.

(3) In this section any quantity of aggregate is, in relation to any occasion on which it is subjected to commercial exploitation, a quantity of taxable aggregate except to the extent that—

(a) it is exempt under subsections 4 and 5;

(b) it has previously been used for construction purposes (whether before or after the commencement date);

(c) it is, or derives from, any aggregate that has already been subjected to a charge to aggregates levy in the United Kingdom;

(d) it is aggregate that on the commencement date is on a site other than—

(i) its originating site, or

(ii) a site that is required to be registered under the name of a person who is the operator, or one of the operators, of that originating site.

(4) Aggregate is exempt under this section if—

(a) it consists wholly of aggregate won by being removed from the ground on the site of any building or proposed building in the course of excavations lawfully carried out—

(i) in connection with the modification or erection of the building; and

(ii) exclusively for the purpose of laying foundations or of laying any pipe or cable;

(b) it consists wholly of aggregate won—

(i) by being removed from the bed of any river, canal or watercourse (whether natural or artificial) or of any channel in or approach to any port or harbour (whether natural or artificial); and

(ii) in the course of the carrying out of any dredging undertaken exclusively for the purpose of creating, restoring, improving or maintaining that river, canal, watercourse, channel or approach;

(c) it consists wholly of aggregate won by being removed from the ground along the line or proposed line of any highway or proposed highway and in the course of excavations carried out—

(i) for the purpose of improving or maintaining the highway or of constructing the proposed highway; and

(ii) not for the purpose of extracting that aggregate;

(d) it consists wholly of aggregate won by being removed from the ground along the line or proposed line of any railway, tramway or monorail or proposed railway, tramway or monorail and in the course of excavations carried out—

(i) for the purpose of improving or maintaining the railway, tramway or monorail or of constructing the proposed railway, tramway or monorail; and

(ii) not for the purpose of extracting that aggregate;

(e) it consists wholly of the spoil, waste or other by-products, not including the overburden, resulting from the extraction or other separation from any quantity of aggregate of any china clay or ball clay; or

(f) it consists wholly of the spoil from any process by which—

(i) coal, lignite, slate or shale, or

(ii) a substance listed in subsection 5(b) below,

has been separated from other rock after being extracted or won with that other rock.

(5) For the purposes of this Part a quantity of any aggregate shall be taken to be a quantity of aggregate that is exempt under this section if it consists wholly or mainly of any one or more of the following, or is part of anything so consisting, namely—

(a) coal, lignite, slate or shale;

(b) the spoil or waste from, or other by-products of—

(i) any industrial combustion process, or

(ii) the smelting or refining of metal;

(c) the drill-cuttings resulting from any operations carried out in accordance with a licence granted under the Petroleum Act 1998;

(d) anything resulting from works carried out in exercise of powers which are required to be exercised in accordance with, or are conferred by, provision made by or under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991; or

(e) clay, soil or vegetable or other organic matter.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (3)(c) aggregate subjected to exploitation in Scotland is aggregate that has already been subjected to a charge to aggregates levy if, and only if—

(a) there has been a previous occasion on which a charge to aggregates levy on that aggregate has arisen; and

(b) at least some of the aggregates levy previously charged on that aggregate is either—

(i) levy in respect of which there is or was no entitlement to a tax credit; or

(ii) levy in respect of which any entitlement to a tax credit is or was an entitlement to a tax credit of an amount less than the amount of the levy charged on it.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (5)(b) above, any credit the entitlement to which arises in a case which—

(a) falls within section 30(1)(c) or 30A of the Finance Act 2001, and

(b) is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection,

shall be disregarded.

(8) In this section—

“coal” has the same meaning as in the Coal Industry Act 1994;

“highway” includes any road within the meaning of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984;

“exempt process” means—

(a) the cutting of any rock to produce (stone with one or more flat surfaces);

(b) any process by which a relevant substance is extracted or otherwise separated (whether as part of the process of winning it from any land or otherwise) from any aggregate;

(c) any process for the production of lime or cement from limestone or from limestone and (anything else); and

“relevant substance” means any of the following—

(a) anhydrite;

(b) ball clay;

(c) barytes;

(d) china clay;

(e) feldspar;

(f) fireclay;

(g) fluorspar;

(h) fuller’s earth;

(i) gems and semi-precious stones;

(j) gypsum;

(k) any metal or the ore of any metal;

(l) muscovite;

(m) perlite;

(n) potash;

(o) pumice;

(p) rock phosphates;

(q) sodium chloride;

(r) talc; or

(s) vermiculite.

(9) The Treasury may by order made by statutory instrument—

(a) modify the list of relevant substances in subsection (8) above by adding any substance to that list or by removing any substance from it; and

(b) make any such transitional provision in connection with the modification of that list under this subsection as they may think fit.

(10) The Treasury shall not make an order under subsection (9) above by virtue of which any substance ceases to be a relevant substance unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.

(11) A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (9) above that has not had to be approved in draft for the purposes of subsection (10) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Commons.”

(2) Duty may not be charged in accordance with the provision inserted by this section if the exploitation occurs before the date appointed under section (Disapplication of United Kingdom Aggregates Levy)(4).”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Disapplication of United Kingdom Aggregates Levy

(1) Part 2 of the Finance Act 2001 (Aggregates Levy) is amended as follows.

(2) For any reference to “the United Kingdom” substitute “England and Wales or Northern Ireland”.

(3) For any reference to “United Kingdom waters” substitute “English, Welsh or Northern Irish waters”.

(4) This section has effect in relation to exploitation of aggregates that occurs on or after such date as is appointed by the Treasury by order under this subsection.”

Page 29, line 2, after “may” insert “with the consent of the Treasury”

[Withdrawn]

[Withdrawn]

Insert the following new Clause—

“Allocation of public funds to Scotland

(1) The allocation of public funds to Scotland shall be based on a needs assessment, rather than the population basis of the Barnett formula.

(2) The Chancellor of the Exchequer shall, by order, establish a commission—

(a) to agree a methodology for assessing Scotland’s needs; and

(b) periodically to review the allocation of public funds to Scotland in the light of its needs.

(3) The first review by the commission must be completed no later than 1 April 2015.”

Insert the following new Clause—

Referendum about further devolution of taxation

In section 30 of the 1998 Act (legislative competence: supplementary) insert—

“(5) Her Majesty may not by Order in Council amend Schedule 5 or make any other provision which removes any tax or excise duty from being a reserved matter (“the proposed devolution of taxation competence”) unless subsection (6) is satisfied.

(6) This subsection is satisfied if a referendum has been held throughout Scotland about whether the proposed devolution of taxation competence should take place and the majority of voters in the referendum vote in favour of the proposed devolution.

(7) Her Majesty may by Order in Council cause the referendum to be held.

(8) The Order in Council shall contain the question that is to appear on the ballot paper.

(9) An Order in Council under subsection (7) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(10) For further provision about a referendum held by virtue of this section, Schedule (Referendums under this Act) to the Scotland Act 2011 applies.””

Insert the following new Clause—

Referendum about Scottish finance provisions

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council cause a referendum to be held throughout Scotland about whether Part 3 should come into force.

(2) If the majority of the voters in a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1) vote in favour of those sections coming into force, they are to come into force in accordance with section (Commencement of Part 3).

(3) But if they do not, that does not prevent the making of a subsequent Order in Council under subsection (1).

(4) No recommendation is to be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under subsection (1) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order in Council has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament and the Scottish Parliament.

(5) But subsection (4) is not satisfied unless the resolution of the Scottish Parliament is passed on a vote in which the number of members of the Parliament voting in favour of it is not less than two-thirds of the total number of seats in the Parliament.

(6) A draft of a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under subsection (1) may not be laid before either House of Parliament, or the Scottish Parliament, until the Secretary of State has undertaken such consultation as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(7) For further provision about referendums held by virtue of subsection (1), Schedule (Referendums under this Act) applies.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Proposal for referendum by Scottish Parliament

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the Scottish Parliament passes a resolution moved by the First Minister or a Scottish Minister that, in its opinion, a recommendation should be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish finance provisions)(1), and

(b) the resolution of the Scottish Parliament is passed on a vote in which the number of members of the Parliament voting in favour of it is not less than two-thirds of the total number of seats in the Parliament.

(2) The First Minister must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the resolution is passed, ensure that notice in writing of the resolution is given to the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 120 days beginning immediately after the day on which it is received—

(a) lay a draft of a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish finance provisions)(1) before each House of Parliament, or

(b) give notice in writing to the First Minister of the Secretary of State’s refusal to do so and the reasons for that refusal.

(4) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the First Minister receives notice given under subsection (3)(b)—

(a) the First Minister must lay a copy of the notice before the Scottish Parliament, and

(b) the Scottish Parliament must ensure that the notice is published.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Commencement of Part 3

(1) This section applies where the majority of the voters in a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish finance provisions)(1) are in favour of Part 3 coming into force.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for Part 3 to come into force on the date specified in the order.

(3) No order is to be made under subsection (2) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Scottish Consolidated Fund

(1) The 1998 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In section 64 (Scottish Consolidated Fund), for subsections (6) and (7) substitute—

“(6) Scottish Ministers may retain in the Scottish Consolidated Fund any amount not paid out under section 65, and may carry forward such surpluses from one financial year to the next.””

Insert the following new Clause—

“Convention rights and EU law: role of Advocate General in relation to criminal proceedings

(1) The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 is amended as follows.

(2) For the italic heading before section 288A substitute “Convention rights and EU law compatibility issues, and devolution issues”.

(3) After that heading insert—

“288ZA Right of Advocate General to take part in proceedings

(1) The Advocate General for Scotland may take part as a party in criminal proceedings so far as they relate to a compatibility issue.

(2) In this section “compatibility issue” means a question whether a public authority has acted (or proposes to act)—

(a) in a way which is made unlawful by section 6(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998, or

(b) in a way which is incompatible with EU law.

(3) In subsection (2)—

(a) “public authority” has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998;

(b) references to acting include failing to act;

(c) “EU law” has the meaning given by section 126(9) of the Scotland Act 1998.”

(4) Section 288A (rights of appeal for Advocate General: devolution issues) is amended as follows.

(5) In the heading, before “devolution issues” insert “compatibility issues and”.

(6) In subsection (1) omit “in pursuance of paragraph 6 of Schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998 (devolution issues)”.

(7) For subsection (2) substitute—

“(2) Where the Advocate General for Scotland was a party in pursuance of paragraph 6 of Schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998 (devolution issues), the Advocate General may refer to the High Court for their opinion any devolution issue which has arisen in the proceedings.

(2A) Where the Advocate General for Scotland was a party in pursuance of section 288ZA, the Advocate General may refer to the High Court for their opinion any compatibility issue (within the meaning of that section) which has arisen in the proceedings.

(2B) If a reference is made under subsection (2) or (2A) the Clerk of Justiciary shall send to the person acquitted or convicted and to any solicitor who acted for that person at the trial a copy of the reference and intimation of the date fixed by the Court for a hearing.”

(8) In subsection (6) after “(2)” insert “or (2A)”.”

Line 11, after “whether” insert—

“(a) in the course of criminal proceedings,”

Line 15, at end insert “; or

“(b) an Act of the Scottish Parliament or any provision of an Act of the Scottish Parliament is outside the legislative competence of the Parliament as being incompatible with any of the Convention rights or with EU law.”

Line 16, at end insert—

“( ) references to the course of criminal proceedings are to the period beginning with the detention or arrest of a person for an offence and ending with the pronouncing of the final interlocutor in proceedings before the High Court;”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Convention rights and EU law: criminal appeals to the Supreme Court

(1) The 1998 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In section 57(3) (EU law and Convention rights: excepted acts of the Lord Advocate) omit the words after paragraph (b).

(3) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 (devolution issues), after sub-paragraph (f) insert—

“But a question arising in criminal proceedings in Scotland is not a devolution issue if it is a compatibility issue within the meaning of section 288ZA of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (right of Advocate General to take part in proceedings).”

(4) The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 is amended as follows.

(5) After section 288A insert—

“288AA Appeals to the Supreme Court: compatibility issues

(1) For the purpose of determining any compatibility issue an appeal lies to the Supreme Court against a determination in criminal proceedings by a court of two or more judges of the High Court.

(2) On an appeal under this section—

(a) the powers of the Supreme Court are exercisable only for the purpose of determining the compatibility issue;

(b) for that purpose the Court may make any change in the formulation of that issue that it thinks necessary in the interests of justice.

(3) When it has determined the compatibility issue the Supreme Court must remit the proceedings to the High Court.

(4) In this section “compatibility issue” has the same meaning as in section 288ZA.

(5) An appeal under this section against a determination lies only with the permission of the court that made the determination or, failing that permission, with the permission of the Supreme Court.

(6) An application to the High Court for permission under subsection (5) must be made—

(a) within 28 days of the date of the final determination of the proceedings or, as the case may be, the date of the determination on the reference under section 288A(2A), or

(b) within such longer period as the High Court considers equitable having regard to all the circumstances.

(7) An application to the Supreme Court for permission under subsection (5) must be made—

(a) within 28 days of the date on which the High Court refused permission under that subsection, or

(b) within such longer period as the Supreme Court considers equitable having regard to all the circumstances.”

(6) Section 288B (appeals to the Supreme Court) is amended as follows.

(7) For the heading substitute “Appeals to the Supreme Court: general”.

(8) In subsection (1)—

(a) after “under” insert “section 288AA of this Act or”;

(b) omit “of a devolution issue”.

(9) In sections 112(6), 121(5)(a), 121A(5), 122(4) and (5) and 177(8), after “under” insert “section 288AA of this Act or”.

(10) In section 124(2)—

(a) after “Part XA” insert “and section 288AA”;

(b) after “appeal under” insert “section 288AA of this Act or”.”

Line 2, at end insert—

“( ) Subject to the rights of appeal created by section 288AA of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (inserted by subsection (5) of this section), the High Court shall remain the final court of criminal appeal in all criminal cases brought in Scotland, whether prosecuted by the Lord Advocate or by any other person or body.”

Line 20, at end insert “(including the point of law of general public importance by reason of which the compatibility issue was certified under subsection (5)(b))”

Line 28, after “only” insert—

“(a) after the final determination of the proceedings, except with the permission of the High Court under subsection (5C) or in the case of a determination on a reference under subsection (1) of section 288AB or in pursuance of subsection (2) of that section,

(b) if the court certifies that the compatibility of issue raises a point of law of general public importance, and

(c) ”

Line 30, at end insert—

“(5A) The High Court must give reasons for its decision to grant or withhold a certificate under subsection (5)(b), but that decision is final.

(5B) Permission under subsection (5)(c) may be given only if it appears to the court in question that the point is one that ought to be considered by the Supreme Court.

(5C) The High Court may, if it thinks it necessary in the interests of justice, grant permission to appeal under this section at a time before the final determination of the proceedings.”

Line 35, after “288(2A)” insert “or subsection (1) of section 288AB or in pursuance of subsection (2) of that section”.

Leave out lines 36 and 37

Leave out lines 42 and 43

Line 43, at end insert—

“288AB References to High Court and Supreme Court: compatibility issues

(1) A court, other than any court of two or more judges of the High Court, may refer any compatibility issue which has arisen in criminal proceedings before it to the High Court for determination.

(2) The Lord Advocate or the Advocate General for Scotland may require any court other than a court of two or more judges of the High Court to refer any compatibility issue which has arisen in criminal proceedings before it to the High Court for determination.

(3) Where the High Court considers that determination of a compatibility issue on a reference under subsection (1) or in pursuance of subsection (2) is necessary to enable the proceedings before the court making the reference to be finally determined, the High Court must—

(a) determine the issue, or

(b) if it considers that the issue raises a point of law of general public importance which ought to be considered by the Supreme Court without first being determined by the High Court, refer the issue to the Supreme Court for determination.

(4) Where the High Court does not consider that determination of the compatibility issue is necessary for that purpose, the High Court may (but need not) determine the issue.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where the Lord Advocate or the Advocate General for Scotland considers that the determination of a compatibility issue by a court of two or more judges of the High Court raises a point of law of general public importance which ought to be considered by the Supreme Court.

(6) The Lord Advocate or the Advocate General for Scotland may require the High Court to refer the compatibility issue to the Supreme Court for determination.

(7) Subsections (2) to (4) of section 288AA apply in relation to a reference to the Supreme Court under subsection (3)(b) or (6) of this section as they apply in relation to an appeal under that section.

(8) In this section “compatibility issue” has the same meaning as in section 288ZA.”

Line 52, leave out “section 288AA” and insert “sections 288AA and 288AB”

Line 53, at end insert—

“(c) after “that Schedule” insert “or a reference under or in pursuance of section 288AB of this Act”.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“The civil service in Scotland

(1) The 1998 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In section 51 (the civil service) after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 is amended as follows.

(4B) In section 5, after subsection (2), insert—

“(2A) Any code of conduct covering civil servants who serve the Devolved Scottish Government must make clear that advice given to Scottish Ministers by civil servants in Scotland should be limited to devolved matters and should not concern reserved matters.”””

Insert the following new Clause—

“Imposition of surcharges

The Secretary of State shall, by statutory instrument, make regulations requiring any Scottish Minister or member of the Scottish Parliament to pay a surcharge in the event of that person spending or causing to be spent public funds in excess of the amount that person is entitled to spend or cause to be spent by statute.”

[Withdrawn]

Page 32, line 27, at end insert—

“( ) Section 28 shall not come into force until 60 days after the Secretary of State has laid before both Houses of Parliament a report on the impact of the provisions of that section on the financial privileges of the House of Commons.”

Page 32, line 29, leave out “this Act is passed” and insert “a referendum is held throughout Scotland in which a majority of participants vote in favour of the provisions of Parts 1, 2 and 3 of this Act”

Page 32, leave out lines 31 to 40

[Withdrawn]

Page 32, line 31, after first “section” insert “28”

Page 32, line 31, leave out “section 30(7)” and insert “sections 30 to 32”

Page 32, line 34, leave out paragraph (a)

Page 32, line 34, at end insert—

“( ) section 32A”

Page 32, line 36, at end insert—

“(d) sections 36A and 36B.”

Page 32, line 36, at end insert—

“(e) sections 36C and 36D.”

Page 32, line 39, leave out paragraph (a)

Page 32, line 40, at end insert—

“( ) Sections 30 to 32 come into force in accordance with section (Commencement of sections 30 to 32).”

Page 32, line 40, at end insert—

“( ) Part 3 and Schedule 3 come into force in accordance with section (Commencement of Part 3).”

Page 32, line 40, at end insert—

“(4A) The following provisions shall not come into force until the Scottish Parliament has passed a legislative consent motion signifying its consent to those provisions—

(a) sections 12 to 14,

(b) section 27, and

(c) Part 3.

(4B) If the Scottish Parliament fails to pass a legislative consent motion under subsection (4A) within two months of the passing of this Act, then the provisions listed in subsection (4A) shall lapse.”

Page 32, line 40, at end insert—

“(4A) Section 34 shall come into force once the Treasury has consulted on the provisions therein and obtained the consent of the Scottish Parliament.”

Page 32, line 42, at end insert—

“( ) The Secretary of State or the Treasury may not appoint a day for any purpose until a referendum throughout Scotland in which a majority of participants vote in favour of the provisions of Parts 1, 2 and 3 of this Act has been held.”

Page 33, line 2, at end insert—

“( ) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, no provision of this Act may come into force until a referendum has been held in accordance with section (Referendum about Scottish independence).”

Page 33, line 2, at end insert—

“( ) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, no provision of this Act may come into force until—

(a) the Secretary of State has laid before both Houses of Parliament a response to any report produced by the Commission on the consequences of devolution for the House of Commons, and

(b) the Secretary of State has taken any actions consequential upon such responses.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendum about Scottish independence

(1) The holding of a referendum on whether Scotland should become independent from the rest of the United Kingdom is outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament (see subsection (6)).

(2) The Prime Minister may by order cause a referendum to be held throughout Scotland about whether Scotland should become independent of the rest of the United Kingdom.

(3) The order shall contain the question that is to appear on the ballot paper.

(4) The referendum shall be held in accordance with provisions made in the order, applying the provisions in sections 2, 3, 5 and 6 of, and Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 to, the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 with such modifications as are necessary.

(5) An order under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(6) In Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the 1998 Act, after paragraph 1 (the Constitution) insert—

“1A. The holding of a referendum on whether Scotland should become independent of the rest of the United Kingdom is a reserved matter.””

Line 8, at end insert—

“(2A) A referendum held under subsection (2) shall be advisory.

(2B) If a referendum held under subsection (2) results in a “yes” vote, the Prime Minister shall cause a further referendum, with the same question, to be held throughout the United Kingdom.

(2C) The result of a referendum held under subsection (2B) shall be binding.”

Line 8, at end insert—

“(2D) A vote in a referendum held under subsection (2B) of this section which results in Scotland leaving the United Kingdom shall not be binding on the residents of the Orkney Islands or the Shetland Islands unless a majority of the residents of the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands who voted in such a referendum voted that Scotland should leave the United Kingdom.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Taxes and excise duties

(1) In Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the 1998 Act, in section A1 (fiscal, economic and monetary policy) omit “taxes and excise duties”.

(2) The Scottish Government shall pay funds to the Government to cover a proportion of the costs incurred as a result of policies made under reserved matters.

(3) This section shall only come into effect if it is approved by a majority of people voting in a referendum on the provisions held in accordance with Schedule (Referendums under this Act).”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendum about Scottish independence

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council, on the advice of the Prime Minister, cause a referendum to be held throughout Scotland about whether Scotland should become independent of the rest of the United Kingdom.

(2) Such a referendum can only be held within 24 months of the day on which this Act is passed.

(3) The question that is to appear on the ballot paper is—

Do you want Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom?

(4) For further provision about a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1), Schedule (Referendums under this Act) applies.

(5) An Order in Council under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

[Amendments 92 and 93 are amendments to Amendment 91]

Line 4, leave out first “Scotland” and insert “the United Kingdom”

Line 14, at end insert “and the Scottish Parliament.

( ) Such a referendum must be administered by the Electoral Commission.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Reserved matters: referendum dispensation

(1) Schedule 5 to the 1998 Act (reserved matters) is amended as follows.

(2) After paragraph 5 insert—

“(6) Paragraph 1 does not reserve provision for a referendum about whether Scotland should become independent of the rest of the United Kingdom provided that the legislation to provide for such a referendum requires that it—

(a) is held throughout Scotland within 12 months of the date on which this Bill receives Royal Assent;

(b) uses on its ballot paper a question proposed by the Electoral Commission; and

(c) is held in accordance with Part VII (referendums) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, except that—

(i) references in the Act to Parliament shall be deemed to be references to the Scottish Parliament,

(ii) references in the Act to the Secretary of State shall be deemed to be references to the First Minister, and

(iii) section 125(2)(b) shall include any Scottish Minister.””

Insert the following new Clause—

“Amendments to the Island Of Rockall Act 1972

(1) The Island Of Rockall Act 1972 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 1 (incorporation of Rockall into the United Kingdom as part of the County of Inverness), after first “shall” insert “for administrative purposes”.

(3) After section 1 insert—

“1A Ownership of Rockall

Rockall is owned by the United Kingdom and, in the event of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom, it shall be owned by the United Kingdom.””

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendum about Scottish independence

(1) A referendum held under section (Referendum about Scottish independence) or in pursuance of the provisions of section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 shall not take place until nine months after the requirements of subsection (2) have been complied with.

(2) Every Secretary of State shall lay before both Houses of Parliament a paper prepared by their department setting out the implications of an independent Scotland—

(a) to that department and its executive agencies,

(b) for that department’s policies, and

(c) for that department’s planned expenditure.”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendums about Scottish independence and fiscal autonomy

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council, on the advice of the Prime Minister, cause referendums to be held throughout Scotland about—

(a) whether Scotland should become independent of the rest of the United Kingdom, and

(b) whether the Scottish Parliament should obtain full fiscal autonomy.

(2) A referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(a) can only be held within 24 months of the day on which this Act is passed.

(3) The question that is to appear on the ballot paper for a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(a) is—

Do you want Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom?

(4) A referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(b) can only be held if the majority of voters participating in the referendum held by virtue of section (1)(a) have voted in favour of the question on the ballot paper.

(5) Subject to subsection (4), a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(b) will take place 35 days after a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(a).

(6) The question that is to appear on the ballot paper for a referendum held by virtue of subsection (1)(b) is—

Do you want Scotland to have full fiscal autonomy?

(7) For further provision about referendums held by virtue of subsection (1), Schedule (Referendums under this Act) applies.

(8) An Order in Council under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Line 21, at end insert “and in consequence to cease to use the Pound Sterling as its currency”

Insert the following new Clause—

“Reserved matters

(1) In Part 1 to Schedule 5 to the 1998 Act, after paragraph 1 insert—

“(f) all matters preparatory and ancillary to the constitutional status of Scotland.”

(2) In Schedule 7 to the 1998 Act, in paragraph 1(2) omit—

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendums relating to the Union of the Kingdoms or the powers of the Scottish Parliament

(1) Notwithstanding section 29 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, an Act of the Scottish Parliament which provides for any referendum which relates to the Union of the Kingdoms or to the powers of that Parliament is not law unless—

(a) the Electoral Commission has certified that any question (or questions) proposed to be asked in such a referendum is intelligible and expressed in terms which are not designed and are so far as is possible not likely to have the effect of making one choice more or less likely than any other to be chosen by voters, and

(b) the Electoral Commission has certified that the method by which the outcome of any referendum is it be determined following the casting of the votes is appropriate in all the circumstances.

(2) Any Act of the Scottish Parliament which includes any power to set the question or questions to be asked in any such referendum by subordinate instrument of whatever sort is not law unless it requires that the conditions in subsection (1)(a) and (b) are met before the subordinate instrument shall have effect.

(3) No Order in Council which alters the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament so as to provide that an Act of the Scottish Parliament which provides for such a referendum is law shall have effect unless—

(a) if such an Order contains a proposed question (or questions) then the conditions in subsection (1)(a) and (b) are met; or

(b) if such an Order does not contain a proposed question (or questions) it provides that an Act of the Scottish Parliament is not law unless those conditions are met, or as the case may be, it requires that they are met before any subordinate instrument containing proposed questions is effective.

(4) The Electoral Commission may, and if it has reasonable grounds to believe that a referendum to which this section applies is likely it be held shall, undertake such research as it considers necessary to enable it properly to discharge the functions of certification conferred on it by this section.”

Lord Wallace of Tankerness gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 10 stand part of the Bill.

Insert the following new Clause—

“Continued effect of provisions ceasing to be within legislative competence

(1) In section 30 of the 1998 Act (legislative competence: supplementary) after subsection (4) insert—

“(5) Subsection (6) applies where any alteration is made—

(a) to the matters which are reserved matters, or

(b) to Schedule 4,

(whether by virtue of the making, revocation or expiry of an Order in Council under this section or otherwise).

(6) Where the effect of the alteration is that a provision of an Act of the Scottish Parliament ceases to be within the legislative competence of the Parliament, the provision does not for that reason cease to have effect (unless an enactment provides otherwise).”

(2) After section 29(4) of that Act (legislative competence) insert—

“(5) Subsection (1) is subject to section 30(6).”

(3) In section 92 of that Act (Queen’s Printer for Scotland), after subsection (4A) (inserted by section 16) insert—

“(4B) If, following an alteration such as is mentioned in section 30(5)—

(a) subordinate legislation is made, confirmed or approved under a provision which continues to have effect by virtue of section 30(6), and

(b) the making, confirmation or approval would be within devolved competence but for the alteration,

the subordinate legislation is to be regarded for the purposes of this section as being made, confirmed or approved within devolved competence.””

Insert the following new Clause—

“Referendums: definition of Scottish nationality

(1) For any referendum under this Act in which voting is restricted to those of Scottish nationality, the provisions of this section shall apply.

(2) A person shall be considered to be of Scottish nationality if they are—

(a) ordinarily resident, or

(b) resident

in Scotland, or if the domicile of their father was Scotland at the time of their birth.”

Insert the following new Schedule—

1 (1) The persons entitled to vote in a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) are those who would be entitled to vote in a general election of Scottish Parliament members if one were held on the date of the poll at the referendum.

(2) But an Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) may include provision for disregarding alterations made in a register of electors after a specified date.

2 (1) An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) may make provision for and in connection with the referendum which it causes to be held.

(2) Such an Order in Council may, in particular, apply or incorporate, with or without modification, any enactment relating to referendums, elections or donations.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2) “donations” means anything which is or corresponds to a donation within the meaning of Part 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

3 (1) An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax)—

(a) must specify the question to be included on the ballot paper at the referendum which it causes to be held, and

(b) may specify a statement to precede the question on that ballot paper.

(2) The Secretary of State must, no later than the time at which paragraph (b) of section 104(4) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (report stating views as to intelligibility of referendum question expressed by Electoral Commission) is complied with, send to the First Minister a copy of the report laid before Parliament under that paragraph.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the First Minister receives a copy of a report under sub-paragraph (2), the First Minister must lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament.

4 (1) An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum of increasing rate of Scottish income tax) must specify the date of the poll at the referendum which it causes to be held.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order vary the date of the poll specified in such an Order in Council (including a date previously set by virtue of this sub-paragraph) if it appears inappropriate for it to be held on that date.

(3) No order may be made under sub-paragraph (2) without the consent of the Scottish Ministers.

(4) A statutory instrument containing an order under sub-paragraph (2) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

5 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) must determine the referendum period for the purposes of Part 7 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 in the case of the referendum which it causes to be held.

6 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) may make provision for and in connection with the combination of the poll at the referendum which it causes to be held with that at an election or at another referendum (or both).

7 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) may authorise or require the Electoral Commission to do things for the purpose of encouraging voting in the referendum which it causes to be held (including imposing obligations or conferring powers on counting officers or other persons).

8 (1) This paragraph applies in relation to a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) if the Electoral Commission have not, before the appropriate day, designated an organisation under section 108 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (organisations to whom assistance is available under section 110 of that Act) in relation to each possible outcome of the referendum.

(2) The Electoral Commission may take such steps as they think appropriate to provide such information for persons entitled to vote in the referendum as the Commission think is likely to promote awareness among those persons about the arguments for each answer to the referendum question.

(3) Information provided in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) must be provided by whatever means the Electoral Commission think is most likely to secure (in the most cost-effective way) that the information comes to the notice of everyone entitled to vote in the referendum.

(4) In this paragraph “the appropriate day” means—

(a) if an order is made under section 109(6) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (variation of period for applications for designation under section 108 or period for determination of applications or both) in the case of the referendum, such day as that order specifies as the appropriate day,

(b) if no such order is made and one or more applications are made in relation to each possible outcome of the referendum before the 29th day of the referendum period, the 43rd day of the referendum period, and

(c) in any other case in which no such order is made, the 29th day of the referendum period.

9 Section 126 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (details to appear on referendum material) does not apply to any material published for the purposes of a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) if the publication is required under or by virtue of the Order in Council that causes the referendum to be held.

10 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) must include provision for the funding of costs of the referendum which it causes to be held (and may, in particular, include provision for the costs to be charged on, or payable out of, the Scottish Consolidated Fund).

11 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) must include provision as to the preparation and audit of accounts relating to payments made by virtue of provision included in the Order in Council under paragraph 10.

12 (1) No court may entertain any proceedings for questioning the number of ballot papers counted or votes cast in a referendum held by virtue of section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) as certified by the Chief Counting Officer or a counting officer unless—

(a) the proceedings are brought by a claim for judicial review, and

(b) the claim form is filed before the end of the permitted period.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) “the permitted period” means the period of six weeks beginning with—

(a) the date on which the Chief Counting Officer or counting officer gives a certificate as to the number of ballot papers counted and votes cast in the referendum, or

(b) if the Chief Counting Officer or counting officer gives more than one such certificate, the date on which the last is given.

13 An Order in Council under section (Referendum about Scottish rate of income tax)(1) or (Referendum on increasing rate of Scottish income tax) may include provision creating criminal offences.

14 Expressions used in this Schedule and in Part 7 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 have the same meaning in this Schedule as in that Part.”

Insert the following new Schedule—

1 (1) The persons entitled to vote in a referendum held by virtue of any provision of this Act are those who would be entitled to vote in a general election of Scottish Parliament members if one were held on the date of the poll at the referendum.

(2) But an Order in Council under this Act may include provision for disregarding alterations made in a register of electors after a specified date.

2 (1) An Order in Council under this Act may make provision for and in connection with the referendum which it causes to be held.

(2) Such an Order in Council may, in particular, apply or incorporate, with or without modification, any enactment relating to referendums, elections or donations.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2) “donations” means anything which is or corresponds to a donation within the meaning of Part 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

3 (1) An Order in Council under this Act—

(a) must specify the question to be included on the ballot paper at the referendum which it causes to be held, and

(b) may specify a statement to precede the question on that ballot paper.

(2) The Secretary of State must, no later than the time at which paragraph (b) of section 104(4) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (report stating views as to intelligibility of referendum question expressed by Electoral Commission) is complied with, send to the First Minister a copy of the report laid before Parliament under that paragraph.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the First Minister receives a copy of a report under sub-paragraph (2), the First Minister must lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament.

4 (1) An Order in Council under this Act must specify the date of the poll at the referendum which it causes to be held.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order vary the date of the poll specified in such an Order in Council (including a date previously set by virtue of this sub-paragraph) if it appears inappropriate for it to be held on that date.

(3) No order may be made under sub-paragraph (2) without the consent of the Scottish Ministers.

(4) A statutory instrument containing an order under sub-paragraph (2) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

5 An Order in Council under this Act must determine the referendum period for the purposes of Part 7 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 in the case of the referendum which it causes to be held.

6 An Order in Council under this Act may make provision for and in connection with the combination of the poll at the referendum which it causes to be held with that at an election or at another referendum (or both).

7 An Order in Council under this Act may authorise or require the Electoral Commission to do things for the purpose of encouraging voting in the referendum which it causes to be held (including imposing obligations or conferring powers on counting officers or other persons).

8 (1) This paragraph applies in relation to a referendum held by virtue of this Act if the Electoral Commission have not, before the appropriate day, designated an organisation under section 108 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (organisations to whom assistance is available under section 110 of that Act) in relation to each possible outcome of the referendum.

(2) The Electoral Commission may take such steps as they think appropriate to provide such information for persons entitled to vote in the referendum as the Commission think is likely to promote awareness among those persons about the arguments for each answer to the referendum question.

(3) Information provided in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) must be provided by whatever means the Electoral Commission think is most likely to secure (in the most cost-effective way) that the information comes to the notice of everyone entitled to vote in the referendum.

(4) In this paragraph “the appropriate day” means—

(a) if an order is made under section 109(6) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (variation of period for applications for designation under section 108 or period for determination of applications or both) in the case of the referendum, such day as that order specifies as the appropriate day,

(b) if no such order is made and one or more applications are made in relation to each possible outcome of the referendum before the 29th day of the referendum period, the 43rd day of the referendum period, and

(c) in any other case in which no such order is made, the 29th day of the referendum period.

9 Section 126 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (details to appear on referendum material) does not apply to any material published for the purposes of a referendum held by virtue of this Act if the publication is required under or by virtue of the Order in Council that causes the referendum to be held.

10 An Order in Council under this Act must include provision for the funding of costs of the referendum which it causes to be held (and may, in particular, include provision for the costs to be charged on, or payable out of, the Scottish Consolidated Fund).

11 An Order in Council under this Act must include provision as to the preparation and audit of accounts relating to payments made by virtue of provision included in the Order in Council under paragraph 10.

12 (1) No court may entertain any proceedings for questioning the number of ballot papers counted or votes cast in a referendum held by virtue of this Act as certified by the Chief Counting Officer or a counting officer unless—

(a) the proceedings are brought by a claim for judicial review, and

(b) the claim form is filed before the end of the permitted period.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) “the permitted period” means the period of six weeks beginning with—

(a) the date on which the Chief Counting Officer or counting officer gives a certificate as to the number of ballot papers counted and votes cast in the referendum, or

(b) if the Chief Counting Officer or counting officer gives more than one such certificate, the date on which the last is given.

13 An Order in Council under this Act may include provision creating criminal offences.

14 Expressions used in this Schedule and in Part 7 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 have the same meaning in this Schedule as in that Part.”

[Amendments 99 to 101 are amendments to Amendment 98]

Line 6, leave out from “those” to end of line 8 and insert—

“(a) who would be entitled to vote in a general election of Scottish Parliament members if one were held on the date of the poll at the referendum, and

(b) who would be entitled to vote in a general election of United Kingdom Parliament members if one were held on the date of the poll at the referendum whose birth was registered in Scotland.”

Line 7, leave out “Scottish” and insert “Westminster”

Line 102, leave out “Scottish”

[Withdrawn]