No time for Barnett formula debate

Feb 2 2010

A Lords debate on the Barnett formula, the controversial Government funding mechanism for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, was unexpectedly cancelled due to a shortage of parliamentary time.

Twenty peers had put their names down to speak about last year's inquiry, chaired by Labour former Cabinet minister Lord Richard, into possible changes to the formula.

The unusually long list included Tory former Scottish Secretaries Lord Forsyth of Drumlean and Lord Lang of Monkton and Labour former Treasury Chief Secretary Lord Barnett, who invented the formula in the 1970s and now wants it reformed.