Can Scots count and/or consider?

In respect of the subject of Scottish Independence, a consultation exercise was launched by the UK Government.  Presumably on the basis that this being a subject the power over which is reserved to Westminster.

At the same time, the Scottish Parliament initiated a consultation exercise.  Presumably because Alex Salmond and the SNP thought they should have some say.  Or perhaps this was just an exercise in more mischief making?

Anyway, the exercise by the UK government ended in March and the results have been analyzed and issued.

The Scottish Parliament consultation ends in May 2012 and unbelievably it will then take 4 months for the underwhelming volume of responses to be counted and analyzed.

• We know that the Scots can count.
 

• We know that they can read

• We know, from history, that they can analyze data

So, why will it take four months?

Okay, so part of the time will be spent eliminating the comments of Anonymous  responders.  These were not allowed under the UK consultation as this could open the way to abuse and an unreflective view.  Belatedly, the Scottish Government agreed to eliminate these 'anon' responses amid accusations of such abuse and possible multiple responses by over-zealous Nationalists.  I know such abuse couldn't happen but better to be safe than sorry!

The total level of responses, including 'anons', is so far around 12,000.  Let's say that in the remaining 6 weeks or so, this gets a spurt on and the number rises to 50,000 or Scotland goes consultation-crazy and there are 100,000 responses, surely, these could be counted and analyzed within a month?

One gets the idea, that this is yet another delaying tactic from Alex Salmond to delay the question being posed until it meets a timeline that the SNP are pushing.

Time then for the UK Government to intervene.  After all, only Westminster has the actual legal authority to initiate a referendum.  Indeed, if they did so swiftly, they could save the Scottish people the unlikely to be inexpensive cost of this 'counting exercise'  which we are told will be contracted out.

I have yet to hear from any supporter of the SNP, any valid reason why, it takes less than 5 months to establish the rules for a referendum on the Scottish Parliament and conduct the exercise and then the count yet, the SNP, a party that has been craving a vote on Scottish independence for 40+ yeas (maybe longer), is so unprepared for it, that they want to wait 30 months before asking the people of Scotland.