Scottish independence: October date given on signing referendum rules
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore has told MPs that the UK and Scottish governments would agree rules around the referendum next month.
In evidence to the Scottish affairs committee, Mr Moore said he hoped a deal would be done by 22 October.
The Scottish government said at the beginning of this year it would hold an independence referendum in autumn 2014.
Mr Moore has been discussing a variety of issues with Scotland's referendum minister Nicola Sturgeon.
He is due to meet the SNP's deputy leader again later this week.
Among the issues due to be discussed are:
- the date of the referendum
- the size of the electorate
- the age of the electorate
- and whether there would be one or more questions on the ballot paper.
It is expected that Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond will discuss the constitutional question at a meeting in the near future.