MSPs to quiz Swinney over power switch

FINANCE Secretary John Swinney was due to be quizzed by MSPs today on extending the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

Members of the Scotland Bill committee were holding the first of several evidence-taking sessions on the UK Government's plans to transfer certain powers to Holyrood and the Scottish Government's proposals for a longer list of responsibilities to be handed over.

The committee expects to hold up to a dozen formal meetings between now and December, with additional fact-finding meetings with business groups and civic Scotland scheduled for July and August. UK ministers are due to appear before MSPs in September.

Committee convener, SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said the UK Government had pledged to listen carefully to any detailed proposals supported by robust evidence for changes to the Bill.