Scotland Office has 'next to no' policy responsibilities

BBC News Online is carrying a story about Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's appearance before yesterday's meeting of the House of Commons Justice Committee, which was continuing its inquiry into devolution during an evidence session in Edinburgh.

Sturgeon said the Scotland Office belonged to a past era, and had 'next to no' policy responsibilties, while the department's minister of state, David Cairns, attacked her 'continuing obsession' with fostering bad relations between the UK and Scottish Governments. But Sir John Elvidge, the Scottish Government permanent under-secretary, remained neutral when he said the office's role had moved into 'different territory'.