Editing 1979 Scottish devolution referendum (section)

===Proposed Assembly===
Had the Scotland Act 1978 entered force, it would have created a [[Scottish Assembly]] with limited legislative powers. There would have been a Scottish Executive headed by a "First Secretary", taking over some of the functions of the [[Secretary of State for Scotland]]. Meetings of the Scottish Assembly would have been held at the [[Old Royal High School]] in Regent Road, [[Edinburgh]]. The former school hall was adapted for use by the Scottish Assembly, including the installation of microphones and new olive-green leather seating. Members would have been elected by the "first past the post" system.

The Scottish Assembly would have had the power to introduce primary legislation to be known as "Measures" (rather than Acts) within defined areas of competence. This form of legislation would not receive [[royal assent]] like Acts of Parliament do. Instead, the legislation is signed via an [[Order in Council]], which the monarch signs and appends to the assembly measure once passed. Some new offices would have been created, such as a [[Auditor general|Comptroller and Auditor General]] for Scotland.

The areas of responsibility included:
*Education
*The environment
*Health
*Home affairs
*Legal matters
*Social services

Responsibility for agriculture, fisheries and food would have been divided between the Assembly and the United Kingdom government, while the latter would have retained control of electricity supply.