Hague pledges cabinet change

William Hague was writing in a Scottish newspaper

William Hague has promised not to abolish the post of secretary of state for Scotland completely should the Conservatives win the next general election.

It is thought the post will be scrapped if Labour hold onto power - a secretary of state for the Union would instead be given responsibility for Scotland, Wales and the English regions.

But writing in a Sunday newspaper, the Tory party leader said such a minister would be unable to represent the interests of Scotland at Westminster.

He said that should he become the next prime minister, the Scottish secretary would remain, but only on a part-time basis.

Helen Liddell is the current Scottish secretary

Mr Hague said because of the Scottish secretary's diminished role since devolution, he or she would also be given additional cabinet responsibilities.

He said: "The idea of a Secretary of State for the Union might sound reasonable, but it fails to take account of the distinctive needs of Scotland and Wales in post-devolution Britain.

"There will be the need for advice on the Scottish implications of United Kingdom policies.

"The resources allocated by Westminster to the Scottish Executive will be decided within the UK Cabinet.

"Surely it must be better to entrust these tasks to a Scottish Secretary rather than a Secretary of State responsible for a number of different parts of the United Kingdom.

"Under Labour's likely reforms, a Secretary of State for the Union would almost certainly be unable to secure anything like as good a deal for Scotland as a Secretary of State for Scotland.

'Additional role in Cabinet'

"I am announcing that the next Conservative government will preserve the office of Secretary of State for Scotland.

"In recognition of the fact the role has been substantially reduced by devolution, when I am Prime Minister the Secretary of State for Scotland will have an additional UK role within the Cabinet."

Writing in Scotland on Sunday Mr Hague said the Tories would retain the post of advocate general to give advice on matters of Scots law.

And he said he would encourage his ministers to give evidence before Holyrood committees when requested.