Number of Scots MPs to be cut?

'Mr Clarke was the only one among the runners to enjoy anything like respect from his Labour opponents. His defeat and Mr Hague's election were, in every sense, two for the price of one. But then, a Tory party of apparently bottomless stupidity probably deserves no better.' Scotsman editorial, 20 th June 1997

Scots MPs may be an endangered species in the 21 st Century

by Andrew Parker, Political Correspondent in The Scotsman

The Boundary Commission for Scotland is due to begin its review some time between 2002 and 2006.

If voters endorse devolution in the referendum due in September, a Scottish parliament would have been up and running for at least two years by the time of the review.

Calls for a cut in the number of Scottish MPs are likely to grow even louder after devolution. The Tories have repeatedly warned that a reduction could be the price of establishing a Scottish parliament.

Although the white paper on devolution will contain no proposal to cut the number of Scottish MPs, Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, is believed to have pressed for a reduction on the Cabinet sub-committee examining the functions and powers of a Scottish parliament.

A review of the boundaries of all the parliamentary constituencies across the UK after the next election could be one way of dealing with the West Lothian question.

The Liberal Democrats want the number of Scottish MPs cut from 72 to 59, in line with the recommendations made in 1970 by a Royal Commission set up by the Tories.

Jim Wallace, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, said: "If Scotland gets its own parliament there would not be the need for the same number of Scottish MPs.

"It's the over-representation in the central belt with smaller electorates than, for example, metropolitan Yorkshire which will become increasingly difficult to justify."

The average Scottish constituency has 55,000 voters, compared with 70,000 in an English constituency. David Marshall, the Labour MP for Glasgow Shettleston, has an electorate of just 49,359.

Ian Davidson, Labour MP for Glasgow Pollok, insisted the issue of the number of MPs would not be reopened. "The settlement is quite clear. The number of Scottish MPs is to remain as it is. It's not up for argument in any way, shape or form."

Jimmy Wray, Labour MP for Glasgow Baillieston, said fairness didn't demand a cut in the number of Scottish MPs to bring them into line with size of constituencies in England.

He added: "I don't see any case for fairness at all. We need more representation here, especially when we have a big majority.

"We have got to keep the Scottish end up as well as implement policy."

John Maxton, Labour MP for Glasgow Cathcart, argued there could be case for cutting the number of Scottish MPs if the UK embraced federalism. The current remit of the Boundary Commission prevents it from recommending a reduction in the number of Scottish MPs below 71.