To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met representatives of Scottish local authorities to discuss boundaries for the next general election in Scotland. [118333]

It would not be appropriate for me to meet representatives of Scottish local authorities to discuss boundaries for the next general election in Scotland. Such matters fall within the responsibilities of the wholly independent Boundary Commission for Scotland. I have a specific statutory role in relation to the laying of Parliamentary Orders implementing final recommendations from the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what her assessment is of the latest date on which new boundary proposals for Scotland would have to be laid before the House if electoral arrangements are to be in place for the next general election. [118334]

I am unable to make such an assessment as this would depend on when the next general election is held. The Boundary Commission must report to me by December 2006.