Sir Kenneth Calman has today issued a call for detailed submissions on topics for consideration by the Commission on Scottish Devolution – with particular emphasis on the list of matters reserved to Westminster by Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act.

Sir Kenneth said: “Since the membership was announced on 28 April, the Commission has had two full and constructive meetings. Five “task groups” have been established to take forward key elements of its work, together with an independent expert group to advise it on financial accountability.

“On 22 May I invited initial suggestions for topics on which the Commission should focus its attention. The responses received have enabled us to develop a clearer sense of where we need more detailed information. It is in that context that I am now writing to invite a wide range of organisations to make a formal submission to the Commission.”

The Commission is inviting contributions on any topic within its remit, but is particularly seeking to gather evidence in the form of responses to a list of questions that includes:

* How successful have the new structures created by devolution been – both in terms of delivering effective government in devolved areas, and in providing effective parliamentary scrutiny and oversight?

* Are there any particular features of the Scotland Act 1998 that you think should be changed or reconsidered, on the basis of experience since 1999?

* Do you believe the people of Scotland would be better served if any matters currently reserved to Westminster were now devolved to the Scottish Parliament? * Irrespective of which particular matters are reserved and which others are therefore devolved, do you support the reserved/devolved distinction as the best way to define the respective responsibilities of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament?

* Do you support the current financial arrangements for devolution? and

* Do you believe that the Scottish Parliament should be responsible for raising a greater proportion of its income by having increased taxation powers?

Sir Kenneth added: “I would emphasise that the Commission has not yet taken a view on which matters (if any) that are currently reserved should be recommended for further devolution.”

Full details, including the structured list of questions, a list of matters currently reserved and a list of aspects of the Scotland Act that earlier contributors have indicated as worthy of attention are available on the Engage section of this website.