Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution calls for 'sweeping powers'

[afleitch]

http://www.commissiononscottishdevolution.org.uk/

Labour have said they wish to implement the reccomendations 'within' 10 months, Tories and Lib Dems on board

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8099634.stm

The Calman Commission also said the Scottish Parliament should control national speed limits, drink-driving laws and airguns legislation.

In its final report, the body said powers on winding up companies should be returned to Westminster.

A steering group has been set up to take the recommendations forward.

The report was broadly welcomed by political parties - although the SNP said Scotland should have complete control over its finances.

The long-awaited report's key recommendation called for a new Scottish-set income tax.

[Јas]

Did the Commission address the North Sea oil issue at all?

[afleitch]

Did the Commission address the North Sea oil issue at all?

Yes. It won't devolve any area of this to Holyrood. I didn't expect them to.

The problem with Calman is that it was set up to counter the SNP's 'National Conversation'. It's brief was also narrower and without having all prties on board, it was an exercise in 'oneupmanship.'

Salmond has announced the White Paper on independence and other constitutional issues will be released November 30th this year and unlike Calman it will adress every constitutional route for Scotland and offer a referendum on the options (not just independence we are told) Most importantly the White Paper is likely to give the once offer Calman didn't - complete fiscal autonomy.

Calman is a whitewash. It also shows that the three 'unionist' parties still don't get what the SNP are actually up to.