MORE than 14,000 submissions have been made to the commission set up to discuss further devolution to the Scottish Parliament.

The deadline for members of the public, interest groups and institutions to contact the Smith Commission with proposals closed at 5pm yesterday.

Provisional numbers released by the commission showed 14,000 emails and letters from the public have been received and more than 250 submissions from institutions.

The commission, headed by Lord Smith of Kelvin, is currently considering greater autonomy for the Scottish Parliament in the wake of the No vote on Scottish independence last month.

Lord Smith said: "I have been delighted by the response and want to thank the many individuals and organisations who worked hard to make substantial and thoughtful submissions.

"The political parties will have the chance to reflect on these submissions before any decisions are made. They will be given full access to all submissions and we will shortly hold a dedicated session of all-party talks."

Trade unions, charities and industry bodies have made submissions and Lord Smith has held meetings to discuss the proposals.

The commission was set up after UK party leaders David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg made a vow in the run-up to the poll that there would be further substantial devolution if Scotland stayed in the UK.

Representatives from the SNP, Labour, the Conserva-tives, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens will all be involved in talks.

Under an already agreed timetable, a decision on recommendations for what powers should be transferred has to be reached this month with draft legislation produced by the end of January. It will be implem-ented by the winner of next year's General Election.