Another non-reply from HMG

I am not sure how I feel about an English Parliament, being firmly opposed to yet another layer of government and bureaucracy but there are arguments to be made for a true federal structure of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom with special arrangements with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. At the very least, we can discuss it as a possible post-EU structure.

Oddly enough, HMG has not the slightest interest in doing anything of the kind unless it is a question of bribing the Scottish Assembly.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked HMG

what plans they have to hold a referendum in England to ascertain the level of support for an English parliament.

A reasonable question and one that abides by the "rules" of parliamentary questions: never ask one unless you know the answer. Sure enough, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, on behalf of HMG said:

The Government has no plans to hold a referendum in England to ascertain the level of support for an English Parliament. The Government has published a Command Paper on the implications of devolution for England which contains separate proposals from each of the Coalition parties.

Not that I necessarily want any more referendums but how is a Command Paper a substitute for a referendum in terms of popular opinion? Is that the sort of thing Professor William Wallace taught his students on the subject of government?