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Scottish independence: 'Good discussion' between Salmond and Cameron Scottish independence: 'Good discussion' between Salmond and Cameron
(about 1 hour later)
Scotland's first minister says he had a "good discussion" with Prime Minister David Cameron about the planned referendum on Scottish independence.Scotland's first minister says he had a "good discussion" with Prime Minister David Cameron about the planned referendum on Scottish independence.
Alex Salmond said there was "goodwill" towards having the referendum format settled in "the next few weeks".Alex Salmond said there was "goodwill" towards having the referendum format settled in "the next few weeks".
But Mr Salmond, who wants to hold the vote in autumn 2014, warned that a deal could still be blown off course. However, the Work and Pensions Minister has sparked anger from Mr Salmond after claiming an independent Scotland could not finance its welfare system.
He was speaking after a regular meeting between ministers from the devolved administrations and the UK government. Mr Salmond said Iain Duncan Smith's words were "offensive and nonsensical".
The Tory minister, who was in Glasgow for the Welfare to Work Scotland conference, said services would have to be cut and taxes raised.
Mr Salmond, who wants to hold the vote in autumn 2014, has warned that a deal could still be blown off course.
The first minister was speaking after a regular meeting between ministers from the devolved administrations and the UK government.
Mr Cameron hosted the Joint Ministerial Committee in London.Mr Cameron hosted the Joint Ministerial Committee in London.
The matters on the agenda included the economy and aviation policy.The matters on the agenda included the economy and aviation policy.
Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary Michael Moore will have more referendum talks. Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary Michael Moore have held more referendum talks.
Discussions will focus on the timing of the referendum, who will vote and whether there will be more than one question on the ballot paper. After the talks Ms Sturgeon said she was ''very optimistic'' that the details over the timing and questions on the ballot paper could be resolved soon.
Mr Moore told MPs last week that he hoped the important ground rules could be agreed by 22 October. The two sides will hold further talks next week.
If that happens then he believes the necessary legislation on the referendum, which the SNP government want to hold in autumn 2014, will be able to pass through the Scottish and UK parliaments.