THE British government warned rebellious Labour MPs they will be disciplined and possibly expelled if they campaign against devolution for Scotland and Wales. The Referendum Bill on Scotland and Wales was published yesterday.
The Scottish Secretary, Mr Donald Dewar, said the fact that the Bill was the first to be published proved devolution's importance to the government and insisted the "show was well and truly on the road now." He said there will be a three-line whip for Labour MPs on the Referendum Bill to ensure a Scottish parliament is established as soon as possible.
The Welsh Secretary, Mr Ron Davies, argued that although the government's majority was big enough to survive any potential rebellion, any rebels will be disciplined.
"It is government policy and I expect all Labour MPs in Wales to recognise our determination to create a Welsh Assembly and thereby improve our democracy in Wales.
"I do not believe it is appropriate for any Labour Member of Parliament to take any course of action which would include, for example, associating with others on opposition to our campaign or indeed publicly campaigning on their own behalf against our proposals," he said.
The Referendum Bill says Scots will be asked two questions; whether they want a Scottish parliament and should it have tax raising powers, while the Welsh will be asked whether they want an elected assembly.
Downing Street described the questions as "clear and concise" and said the government's commitment to the policy is shown by the intended speed of its implementation. The Bill will be debated next week, with royal assent being expected by July.
First sittings of the Scottish parliament and Welsh Assembly are scheduled for June, 1999.
But one Labour devolution opponent, Mr Tam Dalyell, pledged that he would vote against the Bill and warned that there was a danger of the referendum becoming a "pig in a poke."