Editorial: Economic subjects of draft law need rethink

Will parliament exercise executive authority and then come in via the back door to scrutinise the same?

It may be that many parliamentarians, especially the backbenchers and members of the opposition will find this proposal fascinating.

But they had better be warned that they will find it utterly frustrating and nonsensical should they or their parties in future win an election to form government only to discover that they lack the authority to make economic policy.

The mess at Treasury aside, debate on the draft must interrogate the subject of the cost of running the devolved government as proposed.

Will it improve the business environment and allow the country to do business better in a globalised world or will it be a drawback?

Eyes should also focus on key areas such as monetary, land and social policies proposed in the draft with a view to ascertaining their possible impact on the competitiveness of the national economy.