Bill to give Holyrood more powers

MPS were today debating plans to hand over some of their powers to Holyrood.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore hailed the Scotland Bill - which will give MSPs responsibility for setting a Scottish income tax, as well as stamp duty and landfill tax - as the biggest transfer of financial power in the history of the United Kingdom.

The Bill, based on the recommendations of the cross-party Calman Commission, also gives the Scottish Parliament borrowing powers, the ability to propose new taxes and control over air weapons, drink drive limits and speed limits.

Mr Moore said: "We now have both the UK and Scottish Parliaments scrutinising the detail of the coalition government's plans to strengthen Scottish devolution. I am confident MPs and MSPs will continue to support our efforts to improve devolution in Scotland.

"The Scotland Bill brings greater financial accountability to Holyrood whilst retaining the benefits for Scotland of being part of the United Kingdom."