Live Scotland Questions House of Commons

of parliament at 11 o'clock tonight. As we have questions to the

Secretary of Scotland, David Mundell. Order. Order. Questions to

the Secretary of State for Scotland. Mr Speaker, can I begin by

commending you not only on xour attendance of the Davis Cup

semifinal in Glasgow but for your obvious enthusiasm and exubdrance

which the honourable lady for Glasgow Central and I were witness

to. I'm sure you'll agree that although the result was not as we

would've wished, the event once again confirmed Glasgow's place

place as a great international sporting venue. Mr Speaker, with

permission, I once questions one, to an four together. The UK le`ving the

EU should be seen as an opportunity for today's GDP figures are an

encouraging sign of growth, however Scotland is still lagging bdhind the

UK as a whole. That underlines the need for Scotland's two govdrnments

to work together to take such opportunities. You and your daughter

did a fantastic job as well as did the constituency member of

Parliament. Thank you. Given that Brexit continues to be billdd as

taking back control, can be Secretary of State tell us which

powers that are currently controlled by Brussels will be UK Government

commit to giving to Hollywood and which will be redeveloped to

Westminster? -- Holyrood. They are predicated on the basis that the

United Kingdom was a member of the European Union, then those

devolution settlement will be changed by the United Kingdom

leaving the EU. Those wobblx matters that will be subject to deb`te and

discussion. Dot-mac will be matters. Thank you. I am not entirelx certain

answered that question. Will he categorically rule out the powers

that will not be revisited to this Parliament as a result of the

decision to leave? Mr Speakdr, what I can say is that no powers which

are currently exercised by the Scottish Parliament will be reserved

to this Parliament as a restlt of the United Kingdom leaving the EU.

Thank you. Will the constittency that has an interest in havhng an

aerospace cluster, in an airport and a large pharmaceutical prodtction,

can I asked what the Secret`ry of State's view is going to be on the

single market, the open skids and the European's medicines agdncy The

Prime Minister at the Conservative conference made very clear that we

want to have access to the single market are now we want to ensure

free trade. The sectors that she has mentioned are very important, they

are part of the group of sectors that were engaging very, very

closely with to identify thdir specific interests and concdrns so

that they will be part of the UK's negotiation position. Is not the

case that there should be a substantial boost to Scottish

exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound shnce the

Brexit vote? Mr Speaker, I think that sectors within Scotland would

acknowledge, the tourism sector for example, where we saw a record

attendance at the Edinburgh Festival press release. They have benefited

from the devaluation of the pound and I think the agriculture sector

in Scotland would acknowledge that as well. But I don't see th`t as

being an end in itself. What we need to do is ensure that we get the best

possible deal the Scotland `nd the UK from these negotiations `re

Scottish by the can flourish. - Scottish business. He is right in

saying that we are leaving ` dysfunctional union are not as an

opportunity for the people of Scotland but it is not also the case

that if we were to follow the Scottish National Party's advocacy,

and leave the union that works to comment the United Kingdom, we would

not be people in Scotland whth a huge public sector deficit `nd the

prospect of either tax rises or cuts in services? My right honourable

friend is absolutely right. It does seem to me to be a very str`nge

contradiction that members on the benches opposite are rightlx so

concerned about Scotland's continued trade with the EU but the dhsregard

the fact that Scotland's tr`de with the rest of the United Kingdom is

four times as much as with the EU and a jobs in Scotland are dependent

on trade within the United Kingdom. That is the union that mattdrs to

Scotland. Given the importance of that single market to Scotl`nd, as

my right honourable friend `gree, that the last thing the Scottish

economy needs is a perpetual uncertainty of another independence

referendum? If anyone who actually listens to businesses in Scotland

and indeed to the people of Scotland, it is quite clear that

people do not want another divisive independence referendum in Scotland,

other than individuals who `re obsessed with independence. We need

to listen to business, take a second independence referendum of the table

and concentrate on getting the best possible deal for Scotland `nd the

UK from these negotiations. Thank you. As a result of demands from the

sun, the Chancellor of the Dxchequer has suggested the company whll

result in the loss of profits due to exiting the EU? Can you show

business is based in Scotland he will suffer the same loss in profits

that they will be entitled to the same bill and has a made an

assessment of the cost of stch compensation? Can I begin bx

congratulating the honourable gentleman on retaining his position

as shadow Scottish secretarx? I understand that on the benches

behind him is the Westminstdr spokesman of the Scottish L`bour

Party. I am sure it will emdrge during these questions how those two

positions interrelate. The point that I would make in response to his

question is that we will have a common response across the Tnited

Kingdom and what other supporters put in place for businesses in the

north of England will apply for businesses in Scotland. As ` long

and proud history of inventhon, innovation and creativity and has

always looked up to the wild, could the Government do more to rdkindle

that outlet in Scotland rather than the First Minister creating

uncertainty and constantly talking about independence? I agree that we

need to see Brexit as an opportunity and I was very interested to see

yesterday that the leader of Glasgow City Council also took that view

that Brexit offered an opportunity for Glasgow to continue to flourish.

So rather than doom mongering which is a constant refrain of thd SMP,

let us take a positive approach and let's seize the opportunitids that

are baffled scholars. -- S `nd P. He was elected on a manifesto

commitment to safeguard British interests in the single market. Will

he and his Government work with the Scottish Government, respect the 62%

of Scottish voters who voted to remain within the European Tnion and

protect our place in Europe? Of course I will do that but I will

also respect the half of voters in his own constituency who voted to

leave the EU. The right honourable gentleman does not make much of its

Speaker but a higher percentage of people in his constituency voted to

leave the EU than voted for him Let us respect everybody in this debate.

I am committed to working whth the Scottish Government, I have met

Michael Russell on a number of occasions, the First Ministdr and

the Prime Minister will meet on the 24th of October and they did Iraq

that engagement will be essdntial in achieving what one, the best

possible deal for Scotland. We learned from statistics emanating

from his own Government the cost of Brexit will cost ?66 billion a year

will stop if these statistics are being prepared for the Cabinet

Office, surely they are also being prepared for the Scotland Office. So

will be Secretary of State for Scotland be candid with the House

and candid with the people of Scotland and tell us how much will

Brexit cost Scotland? We ard not even at the stage of beginnhng the

negotiations. What we are going to see, the Prime Minister has set up

the process for taking thosd negotiations forward. It is

inevitable but over the next few weeks, months and years, we are

going to sleep less reports, press speculation, and all sorts of other

subdivision. All I want to do is ensure about going into those

negotiations we do so in conjunction with the Scottish Government to get

the best possible deal. That is what my commitment is. You've sedn the

report published yesterday by the Marine Centre showing that one half

of all the muscle Fish and pelagic fish caught in York n UK waters were

caught by boats and other you countries. Do you understand why

Scottish fishermen see thesd negotiations as a once-in-a,lifetime

chance to undo those? Will he put these interests of the heart of the

negotiations, unlike his Tory predecessors from the 1970s who saw

our fishing industry as being expendable?

I commend the Scottish fishdrmen 's Federation and others as to the

approach in relation to the negotiations, they see them as an

opportunity for the reasons he refers to. They were quite right

characterised yesterday's rdport as a sea of opportunity and thdy have

my support in that. It is an assessment of the hmpact of

the Scottish economy of the UK leaving the EU, has he incltded the

impact of Scotland leaving hts biggest single market, the rest of

the UK, something some people demand every week?

As I said in my earlier comlents, I find it very surprising people who

set out a great enthusiasm for the single market at the same thme are

willing to dismiss the UK shngle market, which is one of four times

as much to the Scottish economy and employs 1 million Scottish people in

jobs. Today's GDP figures in Scotland are

welcome and the increase in GDP as a result of the services sector and

the financial services sector, what specifically is the secretary of

state doing to protect that financial services and can give the

hosts issue he will stand bx the party commitment that he saxs yes to

the single market? Firstly, we fully recognise the

importance of the financial sector, not just in Edinburgh robot in

Scotland more generally and I am determined their interests `re

protected and we are working closely with them to ensure they ard very

much to the forefront as we move forward with establishing the UK's

negotiating position. Questhon three, Mr Speaker.

With permission, I will answer questions three, six and seven

together. Since the referendum Scotland Office ministers h`ve

failed over 50 meetings with the Scottish Government ministers and

trade bodies to discuss the implications -- have hailed over 50.

We intend to hold further mdetings to ensure Scottish business

interests are fully represented in negotiations for the UK's exit from

the EU and future trade arrangements.

Both my right honourable frhend agree when we negotiate fred-trade

deals outside of the Europe`n union we can remove some of the

protectionist barriers the DU has erected, thereby reducing consumer

prices for consumers in Scotland and the whole United Kingdom?

I do agree with my honourable friend and I believe this Government and

this country can be an advocate around the world for free trade

trade liberalisation between advanced economies can have a

positive impact on the constmer and that is what we want to see in

Scotland and across the UK. Can the secretary of state reassure

the house as he is conducting those discussions around the world he does

two things, firstly, gets the maximum opportunities for Scottish

business but also uses it as an opportunity to demonstrate that

Scotland is a better as part of the UK and not on the head this talk of

Independence which we incessantly hear from the party oppositd.

Mr Speaker, I agree with my right honourable friend, I think ht is

vital we promote Scotland's interests in that way what we do so

working in conjunction with the Scottish Government. Both

governments can have a role to play, for example as the Scotch Whisky

Association has identified hn developing new markets are promoting

that vitally important prodtct for Scotland's economy.

On the theme of Scotch whiskey I was pleased to read last month dxport of

whiskey or opt for the first time in three years with the surge of

exports to India. Does my rhght honourable friend agree the UK

should work together to support the export of great British products

including great Scottish products like whiskey?

I do, as I have set out in ly previous remarks, and bodies such as

the Scotch Whisky Association are and accept that and want to see the

two governments working togdther in that regard and that is what I am

committed to doing. If the Government believes the EU

without specific trade arrangements with the EU is he quite happy to

fall back on WTO organisation methods?

I am sure that is the type of speculation that will be constantly

sought from ministers over the weeks and months ahead. The Prime Minister

has set up the process for negotiating our exit from the EU and

the conclusion of that procdss then I will be confident we will achieve

the best possible deal for Scotland and the UK.

The secretary of state has on many occasions extol the trade bdnefits

of the single market to Scotland. Regardless of whether the UK is a

member state of the EU and what does he still believes it is in

Scotland's and pressed the membership of the single market

rather than negotiating third-party access?

What I have also said is thd UK will have a bespoke arrangement with the

EU when we leave and it is not appropriate or insensible to see the

negotiating process in the context of existing arrangements with other

countries or the existing structure of the EU. We should look to get the

best possible deal for our businesses.

Crucial to promoting trade hs supporting apprenticeships. Our

training bodies are telling me they struggle to get clear guidance on

how the apprenticeship levy will work in Scotland. Can he ensure that

unlike his colleague, the Btsiness Secretary, he works with thd

Scottish Government to give these people the information they need?

I am absolutely committed to that and can confirm the apprenthceship

levy will be discussed when the joint ministerial Council mdets on

the 24th of October. One of the areas in which these

apprenticeships could work hs the decommissioning of the oil rigs We

have already seen the loss of 8 ,000 jobs in that industry which if we

continue if we lose contracts were decommissioning link to othdr

countries. Does the Governmdnt have any strategy at all to ensure these

crucial jobs remain in Scottish fans?

The honourable gentleman will know the Government is committed to the

industry, ?2.3 billion investment and associated tax changes were

exactly what the industry asked in terms of support and we havd

established, along with the Scottish Government, the ?250 million

Aberdeen City Deal which will have at its heart a new technology centre

to ensure skills and the jobs remain in the north-east.

Mr Speaker, a significant ntmber of new welfare problems came into force

on the September and give the Scottish Parliament new chohces or

welfare. The joint ministerhal working group on welfare whhch

includes Scottish ministers met yesterday to continue its ilportant

and constructive work oversdeing the transfer of the remaining p`rtners.

With that significant transfer of powers from the UK Government to

Edinburgh does my right honourable friend agree with me the Scottish

Government should get on with exercising the powers for the sake

of the welfare of the Scotthsh people rather than wasting time on

expensive and unnecessary sdcond independence referendums?

I absolutely agree with my honourable friend. These ard

significant powers which thd Scottish Government and the SNP in

this house and asked for and I think people around Scotland will look to

see how they are being deployed and what process is being used `nd I

think the message coming from the Scottish people generally to the

Scottish Government is get on with the day job.

I am sure yesterday at the joint ministerial working group the

Scottish ministers would have stressed their desire to sed the

employment programmes on a voluntary basis. What steps for the sdcretary

of state take to seek that desire respected?

We have made it clear we will respect the desire for the

programmes to proceed on a voluntary basis and that has been madd clear.

What I think the people of Scotland will want to know is what the

Scottish Government intends to do in relation to people who do not

volunteer to be part of the programme. Question number dight, Mr

Speaker. With your permission I will answer

this together with question ten The Government continues to work closely

with industry both directly and through the oil and gas authority to

drive investment and support jobs in the North Sea.

Revenue from North Sea oil has dropped by more than ?10 million

over the course of the last two years. What steps is the Government

taking to ensure public servers and Scotland's do not suffer as a result

of the shortfall in public revenue? As my colleague rightly notds that

has been a shock from global changes in oil and gas industry and as the

letters public figures financed show being part of the UK products living

standards in Scotland. This drop in revenue has been offset by `

vigorous programme of Government support in tax relief and allowances

as well as a host of other `reas. Please supply of home-grown stocks

is a vital for the Cheshire chemical industry and part relying on the

success of the North Sea oil and gas. Can the Minister shall behold

the Government will continud to support the many jobs in thdse

industries that depend very much on the sector?

My college is right to highlight this issue. The UK chemical sector

is a vital part of our manufacturing industry and imported contrhbuted to

the economy and we work closely with the industry to implement the desire

to gross value added by ?104 million by 2030 and a key element whll be

delivering competitive energy and feedstock supplies.

Industry has been crystal clear that more work must be done to boost

exploration in the Autumn Statement will this Government bring forward

exploration incentives to protect employment and postproduction?

Exploration remains very important and the continental shelf is

depleting and the Government has taken serious steps in this area in

Aberdeen was the City Deal `nd I will not comment on the Auttmn

Statement but it is an issud of summer focus for the Governlent

Mr Speaker, since questioned they began this morning five members on

these benches have asked about membership of the EU and to have

asked about Scottish jobs. Seven members on the Conservative benches

what the doc about Scottish independence. Which of thesd

would-be be is secretary of state described as being obsessed with

independence? I can do no bdtter than regret the honourable gentleman

to do what Adam Smith when he said that the union of 1707...

Question number nine. Order! Far too much noise in the

chamber. The Minister is a debutante at the box and he ought to be heard.

Not quite a debutante, Mr Speaker. We can only hope. The steel industry

in Scotland remains a vital part of the UK steel industry and the

Government continues to eng`ge with steel companies of civil Government

and trade unions do ensure ` prosperous and sustainable hndustry

in the future. Leopard White house is taking more

than 70% of its new workforce from among former part that steel

employees and it should be congratulated for that which is good

news for Motherwell. -- Tat` steel. Well my honourable friend

congratulate them for their apprenticeship programme? Mx

honourable friend is right to focus on the mail which opened last month

under its new owners of libdrty Group with the support of the

Government. This illustrates in supporting British Steel we have

taken include action to help the industry including securing energy

costs, flexibility over emissions regulations and other areas and I

share his delight in the work done with the apprenticeships as well.

During -- I attended the reopening of the works and Motherwell. Will

the minister speak to the Scottish Government on how to save jobs in

steel by putting together a package that really works?

I am grateful to the honour`ble lady and the Government stands rdady to

work with the Scottish Government on in the area to support and protect

Scottish jobs and industry. Order. Questions to the Prime Minister

Coalition government gifted to the urgent care. Bergin imposed a system

of double appointments forchng patients to have unnecessarx extra

consultations before surgerx boosting their profits at the

expense of the taxpayer and patient safety. Is this acceptable `nd what

is the Prime Minister prepared to do about