THE possibility of Berwick moving from England to Scotland has been dismissed by a Government minister in the House of Lords.
The issue hit the national headlines earlier this year when a poll revealed a majority felt the town would be better off north of the border.
Government Minister Lord Hunt, speaking in a Lords debate, said: "The Government have no plans at all t
o take any of this forward.
"We believe strongly in the union and wish to do everything that we can to support, encourage and develop it."
He was speaking in response to Manderston peer Lord Palmer who asked Government ministers to give an assurance that Berwick should stay in England and to 'send an edict to members of the Scottish Executive to make certain that they try not to meddle in English affairs'.
According to a poll by for ITV's Tonight programme, 60% of those who responded wanted the town to be administered by Scotland.
Better financed public services, including free personal health care for the elderly, were the main reasons.
Coun Diana Beith (Baroness Maddock) told the House that Berwick residents were very aware of the higher spending in Scotland.
"I have welcomed the publicity for Berwick; many people in this Chamber will have seen beautiful Berwick on their TV screens.
"However, does the Minister realise that, being so close to the Scottish border, Berwick residents are only too aware of the higher spending per capita on public services across it?
"They ask why we cannot have a better and fairer settlement in north-east Northumberland to pay for our public services.
"We have the next-to-lowest average wage in Britain.
"Will he help me to answer those questions from people who live in Berwick-upon-Tweed?"
Lord Barnett, whose 30 year old formula determines how much money Scotland gets, intervened to say that the formula should now be reviewed.
However, Lord Hunt said: "While expenditure in Scotland in some areas can be seen to be greater than expenditure elsewhere, similar differences exist between the regions within England.
"Overall, the Barnett formula and the settlement that arises from it have served the United Kingdom well. We should stick with it."
Belford's cross-bench peer, Lord Walton of Detchant, asked whether the Government would embark on the long-awaited programme of dualling the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick.
Lord Hunt replied: "I am sure that we will give every consideration to the noble Lord's request to dual the road that he mentioned."
Coun Beith and other peers commented that the TV publicity showing how beautiful Berwick is should at least be good for the area.
