20/02/2013 Politics Scotland

Hello and welcome to Politics Scotland.

Scotland. Scotland.

Coming up on the programme: Coming up on the programme:

Coming up on the programme: Coming up on the programme:

More good news on the jobs front, More good news on the jobs front,

More good news on the jobs front, unemployment falls again, and it's

unemployment falls again, and it's unemployment falls again, and it's

slightly below the UK average. slightly below the UK average.

slightly below the UK average. And the Conservatives question why

And the Conservatives question why And the Conservatives question why

big spending projects have been delayed.

delayed. delayed.

delayed. The number of Scots seeking work at

The number of Scots seeking work at The number of Scots seeking work at

The number of Scots seeking work at the end of last year fell by 13,000

the end of last year fell by 13,000 the end of last year fell by 13,000

and the number on unemployment and the number on unemployment

and the number on unemployment benefit has also fallen. But the

benefit has also fallen. But the benefit has also fallen. But the

benefit has also fallen. But the number of Scots in work has also

number of Scots in work has also declined. Here's David Henderson.

declined. Here's David Henderson. declined. Here's David Henderson.

declined. Here's David Henderson. Alex Robertson is looking for a job,

Alex Robertson is looking for a job, Alex Robertson is looking for a job,

after 16 years with the same after 16 years with the same

after 16 years with the same after 16 years with the same

employer he is now on the dole. employer he is now on the dole.

Registered disabled, Alex was Registered disabled, Alex was

Registered disabled, Alex was working at a Remploy factory in

working at a Remploy factory in working at a Remploy factory in

Glasgow. Its closure leaves him and Glasgow. Its closure leaves him and

Glasgow. Its closure leaves him and other colleagues the disabled. --

other colleagues the disabled. -- other colleagues the disabled. --

other colleagues the disabled. -- frustrated. I have managed to go on

frustrated. I have managed to go on different websites and register

different websites and register different websites and register

with different job agencies. Also with different job agencies. Also

with different job agencies. Also with different job agencies. Also

surfing the Net and trying to find surfing the Net and trying to find

surfing the Net and trying to find surfing the Net and trying to find

out things and trying to talk to out things and trying to talk to

out things and trying to talk to out things and trying to talk to

people to see if any doors can be people to see if any doors can be

people to see if any doors can be opened or whatever but from the

opened or whatever but from the opened or whatever but from the

government side they do not see government side they do not see

government side they do not see that we are getting any help

that we are getting any help that we are getting any help

whatsoever. How many jobs are out whatsoever. How many jobs are out

whatsoever. How many jobs are out whatsoever. How many jobs are out

there for Alex and others and what there for Alex and others and what

competition do jobseekers face? competition do jobseekers face?

competition do jobseekers face? According to the latest figures the

According to the latest figures the According to the latest figures the

numbers of Scots seeking work at numbers of Scots seeking work at

numbers of Scots seeking work at numbers of Scots seeking work at

the end of last year fell by 13,000, the end of last year fell by 13,000,

the end of last year fell by 13,000, to reach 206,000. That means that

to reach 206,000. That means that to reach 206,000. That means that

the Scottish unemployment rate is the Scottish unemployment rate is

the Scottish unemployment rate is the Scottish unemployment rate is

7.7% which is just below the UK 7.7% which is just below the UK

7.7% which is just below the UK average of 7.8%. The number of

average of 7.8%. The number of average of 7.8%. The number of

Scots in work has also declined. Scots in work has also declined.

Scots in work has also declined. Scots in work has also declined.

Over the next six months I think it Over the next six months I think it

Over the next six months I think it Over the next six months I think it

is unlikely that we will see any is unlikely that we will see any

is unlikely that we will see any major changes in terms of the

major changes in terms of the economy, either upwards or

economy, either upwards or economy, either upwards or

downwards. Looking beyond that we downwards. Looking beyond that we

downwards. Looking beyond that we do see a bit more positivity

do see a bit more positivity do see a bit more positivity

creeping into the way businesses creeping into the way businesses

creeping into the way businesses are approaching. We are seeing a

are approaching. We are seeing a are approaching. We are seeing a

pick-up in investment in some areas pick-up in investment in some areas

pick-up in investment in some areas pick-up in investment in some areas

and I think that bodes well. Today and I think that bodes well. Today

and I think that bodes well. Today and I think that bodes well. Today

it emerged that the number of young it emerged that the number of young

it emerged that the number of young it emerged that the number of young

Scots out of work has fallen as Scots out of work has fallen as

Scots out of work has fallen as Scots out of work has fallen as

well, by 28,000 over the course of well, by 28,000 over the course of

well, by 28,000 over the course of last year. That is something

last year. That is something last year. That is something

government and business will want government and business will want

to build on. to build on.

to build on. I am joined by our Business

I am joined by our Business I am joined by our Business

Correspondent. And by our political Correspondent. And by our political

commentator for the afternoon, Gerry Hassan.

Gerry Hassan. Gerry Hassan.

Gerry Hassan. If what are the key themes in what

If what are the key themes in what If what are the key themes in what

we are seeing? In the broadest we are seeing? In the broadest

we are seeing? In the broadest terms's it is that unemployment is

terms's it is that unemployment is terms's it is that unemployment is

terms's it is that unemployment is falling. There is a bit of a trend

falling. There is a bit of a trend developing. That is important

developing. That is important developing. That is important

economic live because it may help economic live because it may help

restore confidence, that elusive restore confidence, that elusive

restore confidence, that elusive quality that has been in short

quality that has been in short quality that has been in short

supply since the financial crash supply since the financial crash

supply since the financial crash five years ago. Unemployment, of

five years ago. Unemployment, of five years ago. Unemployment, of

course, is a lagging indicator course, is a lagging indicator

course, is a lagging indicator course, is a lagging indicator

about the health of the economy. It about the health of the economy. It

about the health of the economy. It about the health of the economy. It

shows how things were a few months shows how things were a few months

shows how things were a few months shows how things were a few months

ago. You can only hope that with ago. You can only hope that with

ago. You can only hope that with unemployment falling a few months

unemployment falling a few months unemployment falling a few months

ago then hopefully things will be ago then hopefully things will be

ago then hopefully things will be even better now. Beyond that there

even better now. Beyond that there even better now. Beyond that there

even better now. Beyond that there was the key factor that I mentioned

was the key factor that I mentioned was the key factor that I mentioned

was the key factor that I mentioned at the end of my report, that

at the end of my report, that important trend which the

important trend which the important trend which the

politicians are picking upon which politicians are picking upon which

politicians are picking upon which is the fall in youth unemployment.

is the fall in youth unemployment. is the fall in youth unemployment.

is the fall in youth unemployment. It is a toxic political problem. It

It is a toxic political problem. It It is a toxic political problem. It

It is a toxic political problem. It is one that has shown itself to be

is one that has shown itself to be is one that has shown itself to be

a serious problem politically over a serious problem politically over

a serious problem politically over a serious problem politically over

the course of the last five years. the course of the last five years.

the course of the last five years. the course of the last five years.

That figure is down 28,000 in A1 That figure is down 28,000 in A1

That figure is down 28,000 in A1 That figure is down 28,000 in A1

year. It is still high, around one year. It is still high, around one

year. It is still high, around one in five youngsters in Scotland

in five youngsters in Scotland in five youngsters in Scotland

remains unemployed but that figure remains unemployed but that figure

remains unemployed but that figure remains unemployed but that figure

puts a dent in the narrative which puts a dent in the narrative which

puts a dent in the narrative which the opposition parties like to

the opposition parties like to the opposition parties like to

present, of a lost generation of present, of a lost generation of

present, of a lost generation of young people, shut out of the

young people, shut out of the young people, shut out of the

labour market and it is something labour market and it is something

labour market and it is something the Scottish government has been

the Scottish government has been the Scottish government has been

keen to highlight today as a keen to highlight today as a

keen to highlight today as a measure of success. We get these

measure of success. We get these measure of success. We get these

measure of success. We get these figures every month and it is quite

figures every month and it is quite figures every month and it is quite

hard to read into general pictures. hard to read into general pictures.

hard to read into general pictures. You're looking at the narrative and

You're looking at the narrative and You're looking at the narrative and

You're looking at the narrative and tried to see what his next coming

tried to see what his next coming tried to see what his next coming

down the tracks. That is right, down the tracks. That is right,

down the tracks. That is right, down the tracks. That is right,

there are a lot of figures there there are a lot of figures there

there are a lot of figures there there are a lot of figures there

there are a lot of figures there and it has a lot to read into them.

and it has a lot to read into them. and it has a lot to read into them.

and it has a lot to read into them. It paints a rip mixed picture. If

It paints a rip mixed picture. If It paints a rip mixed picture. If

you look at the last year, you look at the last year,

you look at the last year, unemployment has fallen. It is

unemployment has fallen. It is proportionately by more than

proportionately by more than proportionately by more than

England. Scotland has actually seen England. Scotland has actually seen

England. Scotland has actually seen the biggest fall after London and

the biggest fall after London and the biggest fall after London and

the north-west of England. If you the north-west of England. If you

the north-west of England. If you are making comparisons, there is

are making comparisons, there is are making comparisons, there is

also a bit of a problem, also a bit of a problem,

potentially. The strange thing potentially. The strange thing

potentially. The strange thing about Scotland compared with the

about Scotland compared with the about Scotland compared with the

about Scotland compared with the rest of the UK is that when you

rest of the UK is that when you rest of the UK is that when you

look at economic inactivity, the look at economic inactivity, the

look at economic inactivity, the number of people who were not

number of people who were not number of people who were not

working or looking for work, that working or looking for work, that

working or looking for work, that working or looking for work, that

number was up in Scotland while it number was up in Scotland while it

number was up in Scotland while it number was up in Scotland while it

was down quite a long way in was down quite a long way in

was down quite a long way in England. Meanwhile, the number of

England. Meanwhile, the number of England. Meanwhile, the number of

England. Meanwhile, the number of Scots in work rose by just 2000

Scots in work rose by just 2000 Scots in work rose by just 2000

Scots in work rose by just 2000 while the number of people in work

while the number of people in work while the number of people in work

in England rose by 500,000. That in England rose by 500,000. That

in England rose by 500,000. That suggests that England is creating

suggests that England is creating suggests that England is creating

suggests that England is creating jobs at a level which is much

jobs at a level which is much jobs at a level which is much

higher than you are seeing in higher than you are seeing in

higher than you are seeing in Scotland or Wales or Northern

Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland. Looking at this

Ireland. Looking at this Ireland. Looking at this

politically, what does it mean for politically, what does it mean for

politically, what does it mean for the Scottish government and the UK

the Scottish government and the UK the Scottish government and the UK

the Scottish government and the UK Government. On the face of it good

Government. On the face of it good Government. On the face of it good

Government. On the face of it good news but picking up on what David

news but picking up on what David news but picking up on what David

news but picking up on what David is saying, not so much good news

is saying, not so much good news is saying, not so much good news

under the figures. Adding these under the figures. Adding these

under the figures. Adding these figures are enormously complex. It

figures are enormously complex. It figures are enormously complex. It

is good news that unemployment is is good news that unemployment is

is good news that unemployment is is good news that unemployment is

down and that more jobs are being down and that more jobs are being

down and that more jobs are being created and the jobless figures are

created and the jobless figures are falling but an enormously

falling but an enormously falling but an enormously

complicated rise in part-time work. complicated rise in part-time work.

complicated rise in part-time work. complicated rise in part-time work.

There are only 2000 jobs created in There are only 2000 jobs created in

There are only 2000 jobs created in There are only 2000 jobs created in

Scotland in the last year. You have Scotland in the last year. You have

this economic inactivity rate. this economic inactivity rate.

this economic inactivity rate. this economic inactivity rate.

There are a lot of people in There are a lot of people in

There are a lot of people in Scotland who are economic the

Scotland who are economic the Scotland who are economic the

disconnected from the labour market disconnected from the labour market

disconnected from the labour market and they were disconnected and the

and they were disconnected and the and they were disconnected and the

good times and they are falling good times and they are falling

good times and they are falling further behind in these times and

further behind in these times and further behind in these times and

further behind in these times and there is no sign of that moving.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Let's cross to the Garden Lobby at Let's cross to the Garden Lobby at

Let's cross to the Garden Lobby at Let's cross to the Garden Lobby at

Holyrood now and speak to some MSPs Holyrood now and speak to some MSPs

Holyrood now and speak to some MSPs about this issue and others that

about this issue and others that about this issue and others that

are making the headlines today. We are making the headlines today. We

are making the headlines today. We have Murdo Fraser from the Scottish

have Murdo Fraser from the Scottish Conservatives, Ken McIntosh from

Conservatives, Ken McIntosh from Conservatives, Ken McIntosh from

Conservatives, Ken McIntosh from Labour and from the SNP we have

Clare Adamson. Clare Adamson.

Clare Adamson. Good afternoon to you all. Thank

Good afternoon to you all. Thank Good afternoon to you all. Thank

Good afternoon to you all. Thank you very much for joining me. Let

you very much for joining me. Let you very much for joining me. Let

us pick on the unemployment figures. us pick on the unemployment figures.

us pick on the unemployment figures. Claire Adamson, the concern is that

Claire Adamson, the concern is that Claire Adamson, the concern is that

Claire Adamson, the concern is that Claire Adamson, the concern is that

on the face of it, it is a good on the face of it, it is a good

on the face of it, it is a good picture but there is some concern

picture but there is some concern picture but there is some concern

about the people who are about the people who are

about the people who are economically inactive. I think the

economically inactive. I think the economically inactive. I think the

figures are very welcome news, figures are very welcome news,

figures are very welcome news, especially in the area of youth

especially in the area of youth especially in the area of youth

unemployment where we have seen a unemployment where we have seen a

unemployment where we have seen a dramatic fall in youth unemployment

dramatic fall in youth unemployment dramatic fall in youth unemployment

dramatic fall in youth unemployment and I think what we are starting to

and I think what we are starting to and I think what we are starting to

and I think what we are starting to see in Scotland is some of the

see in Scotland is some of the see in Scotland is some of the

benefits of some of the policies benefits of some of the policies

benefits of some of the policies that have been implemented by the

that have been implemented by the Scottish government in tackling

Scottish government in tackling Scottish government in tackling

these areas. Economic inactivity is these areas. Economic inactivity is

these areas. Economic inactivity is always a concern for everyone but

always a concern for everyone but always a concern for everyone but

always a concern for everyone but the general mood seems to be to

the general mood seems to be to the general mood seems to be to

the general mood seems to be to better -- the general news seems to

better -- the general news seems to better -- the general news seems to

be to better employment in Scotland. be to better employment in Scotland.

be to better employment in Scotland. The policy is obviously working

The policy is obviously working The policy is obviously working

according to Claire Adamson but you according to Claire Adamson but you

according to Claire Adamson but you are criticising the Scottish budget

are criticising the Scottish budget are criticising the Scottish budget

are criticising the Scottish budget for not doing enough for jobs and

for not doing enough for jobs and for not doing enough for jobs and

growth. I would ask Clare as growth. I would ask Clare as

growth. I would ask Clare as straight question, which policy do

straight question, which policy do straight question, which policy do

you think is working? I cannot you think is working? I cannot

you think is working? I cannot you think is working? I cannot

think of ever. -- any. There is the think of ever. -- any. There is the

apprenticeships and training for apprenticeships and training for

apprenticeships and training for young people, which is evidently

young people, which is evidently young people, which is evidently

working. In that case, why is working. In that case, why is

working. In that case, why is unemployment or better in Scotland

unemployment or better in Scotland unemployment or better in Scotland

unemployment or better in Scotland and it is across the whole of the

and it is across the whole of the UK. Clearly unemployment in

UK. Clearly unemployment in UK. Clearly unemployment in

Scotland is at exactly the same Scotland is at exactly the same

Scotland is at exactly the same level, there is nothing that the

level, there is nothing that the level, there is nothing that the

level, there is nothing that the SNP are doing in government that is

SNP are doing in government that is SNP are doing in government that is

making a difference in terms of making a difference in terms of

making a difference in terms of employment levels and a real level

employment levels and a real level employment levels and a real level

-- the real worry is that -- the real worry is that

underneath the or unemployment underneath the or unemployment

underneath the or unemployment levels is the problem of economic

levels is the problem of economic levels is the problem of economic

inactivity and we are doing inactivity and we are doing

inactivity and we are doing inactivity and we are doing

terribly in this. I do not agree at terribly in this. I do not agree at

terribly in this. I do not agree at terribly in this. I do not agree at

all. The UK is a very complicated all. The UK is a very complicated

all. The UK is a very complicated situation. With Labour in control

situation. With Labour in control situation. With Labour in control

situation. With Labour in control and Wales we see a much worse

and Wales we see a much worse and Wales we see a much worse

situation in Wales than in Scotland situation in Wales than in Scotland

situation in Wales than in Scotland situation in Wales than in Scotland

situation in Wales than in Scotland so I do not think you can turn this

so I do not think you can turn this so I do not think you can turn this

back on the Scottish government. We back on the Scottish government. We

back on the Scottish government. We back on the Scottish government. We

are doing a lot in investigating -- are doing a lot in investigating --

investing and capital programmes investing and capital programmes

investing and capital programmes have been brought forward and we

have been brought forward and we have been brought forward and we

actually moving forward and the actually moving forward and the

actually moving forward and the figures would show that Scotland is

figures would show that Scotland is figures would show that Scotland is

moving in the right direction. moving in the right direction.

moving in the right direction. moving in the right direction.

want to turn to Murdo Fraser now. want to turn to Murdo Fraser now.

want to turn to Murdo Fraser now. want to turn to Murdo Fraser now.

We are hearing this from both sides We are hearing this from both sides

We are hearing this from both sides We are hearing this from both sides

of the argument there. What is the of the argument there. What is the

of the argument there. What is the UK Government doing to help

UK Government doing to help Scotland beat unemployment?

Scotland beat unemployment? Scotland beat unemployment?

picture across the UK is generally picture across the UK is generally

encouraging. Unemployment is now encouraging. Unemployment is now

consistently falling, month on consistently falling, month on

consistently falling, month on month, quarter on quarter. I think

month, quarter on quarter. I think month, quarter on quarter. I think

the worrying aspect for Scotland the worrying aspect for Scotland

the worrying aspect for Scotland the worrying aspect for Scotland

here, as you pointed out, is that here, as you pointed out, is that

here, as you pointed out, is that while the level of people in

while the level of people in while the level of people in

employment has gone up dramatically employment has gone up dramatically

employment has gone up dramatically employment has gone up dramatically

in the UK it has fallen in Scotland. in the UK it has fallen in Scotland.

in the UK it has fallen in Scotland. Also the levels of economic

Also the levels of economic Also the levels of economic

inactivity across the UK have been inactivity across the UK have been

inactivity across the UK have been coming down but in Scotland they

coming down but in Scotland they coming down but in Scotland they

have not been. There is something have not been. There is something

have not been. There is something different about the situation is

different about the situation is different about the situation is

Connacht which is not as Connacht which is not as

Connacht which is not as encouraging as the picture across

encouraging as the picture across encouraging as the picture across

the UK. There is some explaining the UK. There is some explaining

the UK. There is some explaining the UK. There is some explaining

for the SNP to do here. When things for the SNP to do here. When things

for the SNP to do here. When things for the SNP to do here. When things

are going well they claim all the are going well they claim all the

credit for their policy credit for their policy

credit for their policy interventions but when things are

interventions but when things are interventions but when things are

interventions but when things are not doing as well you have to start

not doing as well you have to start not doing as well you have to start

not doing as well you have to start explaining why we are not doing as

explaining why we are not doing as explaining why we are not doing as

well in Scotland. We are debating well in Scotland. We are debating

an issue the subterranean an issue the subterranean

an issue the subterranean parliament which is the failure of

parliament which is the failure of parliament which is the failure of

the MDP model to bring forward the MDP model to bring forward

capital spending in Scotland, capital spending in Scotland,

capital spending in Scotland, capital spending in Scotland,

trumpeted by the SNP but failing to trumpeted by the SNP but failing to

trumpeted by the SNP but failing to deliver projects on the ground in

deliver projects on the ground in deliver projects on the ground in

deliver projects on the ground in the last two years. Let us pick up

the last two years. Let us pick up the last two years. Let us pick up

on that. That is the big on that. That is the big

infrastructure projects that the infrastructure projects that the

infrastructure projects that the Scottish government funds. You say

Scottish government funds. You say Scottish government funds. You say

Scottish government funds. You say there is a delay in getting the

there is a delay in getting the there is a delay in getting the

money to start building those big money to start building those big

money to start building those big money to start building those big

project. The SNP wanted to use the project. The SNP wanted to use the

project. The SNP wanted to use the project. The SNP wanted to use the

Scottish -- the SNP wanted to use Scottish -- the SNP wanted to use

Scottish -- the SNP wanted to use this new model because they thought

this new model because they thought this new model because they thought

it was better than the private it was better than the private

it was better than the private finance initiative that the Tories

finance initiative that the Tories pioneered which left private

pioneered which left private pioneered which left private

pioneered which left private companies with a lot of money in

companies with a lot of money in companies with a lot of money in

their profits -- pockets and their profits -- pockets and

their profits -- pockets and taxpayers are footing the bill.

taxpayers are footing the bill. taxpayers are footing the bill.

taxpayers are footing the bill. one thing we never tire of hearing

one thing we never tire of hearing one thing we never tire of hearing

one thing we never tire of hearing from the SNP is how we need to

from the SNP is how we need to from the SNP is how we need to

bring forward capital spending to bring forward capital spending to

bring forward capital spending to create jobs. What has happened with

create jobs. What has happened with create jobs. What has happened with

create jobs. What has happened with this model is in the past few years

this model is in the past few years this model is in the past few years

when they should have spent �500 when they should have spent �500

when they should have spent �500 million on capital projects they

million on capital projects they million on capital projects they

have just spent �20 million. That have just spent �20 million. That

have just spent �20 million. That is their failure and they cannot

is their failure and they cannot is their failure and they cannot

blame anyone else for that. Even blame anyone else for that. Even

blame anyone else for that. Even the finance secretary's own figures

the finance secretary's own figures the finance secretary's own figures

suggest that 3,500 jobs we should suggest that 3,500 jobs we should

suggest that 3,500 jobs we should have been created have not been

have been created have not been have been created have not been

created. Let us go straight to created. Let us go straight to

created. Let us go straight to Claire Adamson for a rebuttal of

Claire Adamson for a rebuttal of Claire Adamson for a rebuttal of

that. You heard what Murdo Fraser that. You heard what Murdo Fraser

that. You heard what Murdo Fraser said. Are you keeping things in

said. Are you keeping things in said. Are you keeping things in

said. Are you keeping things in your back pocket until next year so

your back pocket until next year so your back pocket until next year so

your back pocket until next year so you can have a big spending splurge

you can have a big spending splurge you can have a big spending splurge

you can have a big spending splurge ahead of the referendum? Not at all.

ahead of the referendum? Not at all. ahead of the referendum? Not at all.

This is just nonsense. What we This is just nonsense. What we

This is just nonsense. What we found is that project-based funding,

found is that project-based funding, found is that project-based funding,

the project has to come together the project has to come together

the project has to come together the project has to come together

and be planned before the money can and be planned before the money can

and be planned before the money can actually be spent. That is taking

actually be spent. That is taking actually be spent. That is taking

longer than was may be anticipated longer than was may be anticipated

longer than was may be anticipated it when the very first projections

it when the very first projections it when the very first projections

it when the very first projections were made. I make no apologies for

were made. I make no apologies for were made. I make no apologies for

replacing the toxic PFI system with replacing the toxic PFI system with

replacing the toxic PFI system with replacing the toxic PFI system with

a system that is there and put less a system that is there and put less

a system that is there and put less business -- money into business and

business -- money into business and business -- money into business and

delivers more for the people of delivers more for the people of

delivers more for the people of Scotland. It is a much fairer

Scotland. It is a much fairer Scotland. It is a much fairer

system, isn't it, because the system, isn't it, because the

system, isn't it, because the Labour/Lib Dem executive pursue did

Labour/Lib Dem executive pursue did Labour/Lib Dem executive pursue did

Labour/Lib Dem executive pursue did as well and it is a fairer system.

as well and it is a fairer system. as well and it is a fairer system.

I have nothing against the system. I have nothing against the system.

I have nothing against the system. I have nothing against the system.

It is a different version of PFI It is a different version of PFI

It is a different version of PFI but I have no difficulties. Labour

but I have no difficulties. Labour but I have no difficulties. Labour

introduced it. The difficulties I introduced it. The difficulties I

introduced it. The difficulties I introduced it. The difficulties I

have are that these projects do not have are that these projects do not

have are that these projects do not exist. The SNP keeps talking about

exist. The SNP keeps talking about exist. The SNP keeps talking about

shovel ready projects and they are shovel ready projects and they are

shovel ready projects and they are de berating everybody, it is

de berating everybody, it is de berating everybody, it is

everybody's else's fault in not everybody's else's fault in not

everybody's else's fault in not investing in these projects but

investing in these projects but investing in these projects but

investing in these projects but they're just on a list. This year

they're just on a list. This year they're just on a list. This year

140 million should have gone into 140 million should have gone into

140 million should have gone into schools and has not happened. A

schools and has not happened. A schools and has not happened. A

whole generation, a whole cohort of whole generation, a whole cohort of

whole generation, a whole cohort of whole generation, a whole cohort of

pupils will miss out. I want to pupils will miss out. I want to

pupils will miss out. I want to move on to another issue now.

move on to another issue now. Nicola Sturgeon was saying

Nicola Sturgeon was saying Nicola Sturgeon was saying

yesterday that Scotland faces a yesterday that Scotland faces a

yesterday that Scotland faces a European Union funding cut worth

European Union funding cut worth European Union funding cut worth

European Union funding cut worth 0.2 �5 billion. This seems to be a

0.2 �5 billion. This seems to be a 0.2 �5 billion. This seems to be a

settlement that has not quite been settlement that has not quite been

settlement that has not quite been settlement that has not quite been

agreed yet. How has she come to the agreed yet. How has she come to the

agreed yet. How has she come to the figure? It is to do with

figure? It is to do with negotiations for the internal

negotiations for the internal framework. The mechanism for

framework. The mechanism for framework. The mechanism for

distributing the money has been distributing the money has been

distributing the money has been changed and because it is now

changed and because it is now changed and because it is now

screwed -- skewed at a population screwed -- skewed at a population

screwed -- skewed at a population rather than geographical area it is

rather than geographical area it is rather than geographical area it is

rather than geographical area it is that Scotland will miss out by 30%

that Scotland will miss out by 30% that Scotland will miss out by 30%

if the figures from the initial if the figures from the initial

if the figures from the initial model would show. What we are

model would show. What we are model would show. What we are

asking is that the UK Government asking is that the UK Government

asking is that the UK Government sit down with Scotland and the

sit down with Scotland and the sit down with Scotland and the

sit down with Scotland and the other devolved areas to look at how

other devolved areas to look at how other devolved areas to look at how

this can be negotiated so that this can be negotiated so that

this can be negotiated so that this can be negotiated so that

Scotland is not getting such a huge Scotland is not getting such a huge

Scotland is not getting such a huge cut in its structural funding.

cut in its structural funding. cut in its structural funding.

cut in its structural funding. you and the SNP both voted for a

you and the SNP both voted for a you and the SNP both voted for a

you and the SNP both voted for a cut in the UK budget of last year

cut in the UK budget of last year cut in the UK budget of last year

it so maybe you cannot complain it so maybe you cannot complain

it so maybe you cannot complain it so maybe you cannot complain

about a cut in the funding for about a cut in the funding for

about a cut in the funding for Scotland. -- Ken Macintosh.

Scotland. -- Ken Macintosh. Scotland. -- Ken Macintosh.

Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday -- Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday --

Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday -- Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday --

did not say yesterday is that there did not say yesterday is that there

did not say yesterday is that there are hundreds of millions of pounds

are hundreds of millions of pounds are hundreds of millions of pounds

of European funding which are not of European funding which are not

of European funding which are not being claimed by Scotland. There is

being claimed by Scotland. There is being claimed by Scotland. There is

issued programme which would help issued programme which would help

issued programme which would help issued programme which would help

people who lose their job, any big people who lose their job, any big

people who lose their job, any big employer who sacks more than 400

employer who sacks more than 400 employer who sacks more than 400

workers or closes down, you can workers or closes down, you can

workers or closes down, you can claim assistance from Europe in

claim assistance from Europe in claim assistance from Europe in

programmes such as that of the programmes such as that of the

programmes such as that of the Scottish government is not claiming

Scottish government is not claiming Scottish government is not claiming

against a lot of these programmes against a lot of these programmes

against a lot of these programmes against a lot of these programmes

and it is a wasted opportunity for and it is a wasted opportunity for

and it is a wasted opportunity for assistance. We are working within a

assistance. We are working within a assistance. We are working within a

declining European budget now as we declining European budget now as we

declining European budget now as we declining European budget now as we

have a declining budget here in the have a declining budget here in the

have a declining budget here in the have a declining budget here in the

UK but if you do not maximise your UK but if you do not maximise your

UK but if you do not maximise your opportunities within that, it is

opportunities within that, it is opportunities within that, it is

difficult to always point the difficult to always point the

difficult to always point the finger of blame elsewhere. Murdo

finger of blame elsewhere. Murdo finger of blame elsewhere. Murdo

Fraser, finally to year. David Fraser, finally to year. David

Fraser, finally to year. David Cameron negotiate a lower EU budget

Cameron negotiate a lower EU budget Cameron negotiate a lower EU budget

but do you think Scotland is but do you think Scotland is

but do you think Scotland is but do you think Scotland is

bearing the brunt of that? It is a bearing the brunt of that? It is a

bearing the brunt of that? It is a bearing the brunt of that? It is a

good deal from the UK and a good good deal from the UK and a good

good deal from the UK and a good deal for British taxpayers to have

deal for British taxpayers to have deal for British taxpayers to have

deal for British taxpayers to have a cut in the EU budget overall.

a cut in the EU budget overall. a cut in the EU budget overall.

a cut in the EU budget overall. This is a consequence of that and

This is a consequence of that and This is a consequence of that and

This is a consequence of that and the SNP will are now bleating about

the SNP will are now bleating about the SNP will are now bleating about

this, have voted for that in this, have voted for that in

this, have voted for that in Westminster. There is a lot of

Westminster. There is a lot of Westminster. There is a lot of

scaremongering from the SNP. There scaremongering from the SNP. There

scaremongering from the SNP. There has been no allocation of funding,

has been no allocation of funding, has been no allocation of funding,

has been no allocation of funding, there is no cut in the Budget, that

there is no cut in the Budget, that there is no cut in the Budget, that

figure is plucked from the air. figure is plucked from the air.

figure is plucked from the air. There are ongoing negotiations with

There are ongoing negotiations with There are ongoing negotiations with

the UK Government and devolving the UK Government and devolving

the UK Government and devolving administration that have the money

administration that have the money administration that have the money

administration that have the money will be handed out so at the moment

will be handed out so at the moment will be handed out so at the moment

will be handed out so at the moment there are a lot of errors and

there are a lot of errors and there are a lot of errors and

scaremongering and nothing to worry scaremongering and nothing to worry

scaremongering and nothing to worry scaremongering and nothing to worry

about. We have to leave it there. about. We have to leave it there.

Look at lets cross to the chamber. Look at lets cross to the chamber.

Glenn Campbell is watching proceedings.

proceedings. proceedings.

proceedings. The debate is underway. That is the

The debate is underway. That is the finance secretary making an

finance secretary making an finance secretary making an

intervention on behalf of the intervention on behalf of the

intervention on behalf of the government. Gavin Brown is leading

government. Gavin Brown is leading government. Gavin Brown is leading

the debate for the Conservatives. the debate for the Conservatives.

the debate for the Conservatives. the debate for the Conservatives.

Mr Sweeney has said the reason the Mr Sweeney has said the reason the

Mr Sweeney has said the reason the government is pursuing a non profit

government is pursuing a non profit distribution model of capital

distribution model of capital distribution model of capital

funding is because of budget cuts funding is because of budget cuts

funding is because of budget cuts the Scottish government has faced

the Scottish government has faced the Scottish government has faced

the Scottish government has faced from the UK. Let's listen to the

debate. debate.

debate. They are determined to discuss

They are determined to discuss They are determined to discuss

anything except the NPD programme. anything except the NPD programme.

anything except the NPD programme. They want to talk about anything

They want to talk about anything They want to talk about anything

and everything except things for and everything except things for

which they have responsibility. which they have responsibility.

which they have responsibility. which they have responsibility.

Let's look at the facts. At the Let's look at the facts. At the

Let's look at the facts. At the time of the spending review last

time of the spending review last time of the spending review last

year, they said they would spend year, they said they would spend

year, they said they would spend between �50 million and �150

between �50 million and �150 million in that year.

million in that year. million in that year.

What happened on the ground in What happened on the ground in

What happened on the ground in What happened on the ground in

2012-13, we are told, will be �20 2012-13, we are told, will be �20

2012-13, we are told, will be �20 million, and the latest projections

million, and the latest projections million, and the latest projections

million, and the latest projections for the next financial year will be

for the next financial year will be for the next financial year will be

�330 million instead of �686 �330 million instead of �686

�330 million instead of �686 million. This parliament and this

million. This parliament and this country deserves an explanation.

country deserves an explanation. country deserves an explanation.

Because initially when it was clear Because initially when it was clear

Because initially when it was clear that they had over promised and

that they had over promised and under delivered, their clear

under delivered, their clear under delivered, their clear

strategy was simply not to mention strategy was simply not to mention

strategy was simply not to mention strategy was simply not to mention

it. Let's not mention it in the it. Let's not mention it in the

it. Let's not mention it in the Budget or anywhere else. What they

Budget or anywhere else. What they Budget or anywhere else. What they

Budget or anywhere else. What they actually said in the Budget is that

actually said in the Budget is that actually said in the Budget is that

they were exhilarating the NPD they were exhilarating the NPD

they were exhilarating the NPD pipeline. They didn't admit it was

pipeline. They didn't admit it was been decelerated, they actually

been decelerated, they actually been decelerated, they actually

said they were accelerating it, and said they were accelerating it, and

said they were accelerating it, and said they were accelerating it, and

they said the pipeline was so good they said the pipeline was so good

they said the pipeline was so good that everyone else around the world

that everyone else around the world that everyone else around the world

that everyone else around the world wanted to copy what they are doing.

wanted to copy what they are doing. wanted to copy what they are doing.

wanted to copy what they are doing. I have heard... Also they say there

I have heard... Also they say there I have heard... Also they say there

is at variance, the figures are is at variance, the figures are

is at variance, the figures are different. When you say you will

different. When you say you will different. When you say you will

different. When you say you will get 353 and to deliver 20, that is

get 353 and to deliver 20, that is get 353 and to deliver 20, that is

stretching the definition of the stretching the definition of the

stretching the definition of the word variants to quite a degree.

word variants to quite a degree. word variants to quite a degree.

Once they finally had to confront Once they finally had to confront

Once they finally had to confront Once they finally had to confront

the issue, or we have had numerous the issue, or we have had numerous

the issue, or we have had numerous excuses about the reason. The

excuses about the reason. The excuses about the reason. The

Aberdeen pet -- Aberdeen Western Aberdeen pet -- Aberdeen Western

Aberdeen pet -- Aberdeen Western peripheral Brut, it was all its

peripheral Brut, it was all its peripheral Brut, it was all its

peripheral Brut, it was all its faults. We have had that at least

faults. We have had that at least faults. We have had that at least

twice from the First Minister. But twice from the First Minister. But

twice from the First Minister. But twice from the First Minister. But

when we get the documents from the when we get the documents from the

government about the forecast government about the forecast

government about the forecast profile, it was clear that money

profile, it was clear that money profile, it was clear that money

profile, it was clear that money wasn't projected to be spent on the

wasn't projected to be spent on the wasn't projected to be spent on the

routes until 2013-14. So that routes until 2013-14. So that

routes until 2013-14. So that doesn't explain 11-12 or 12-13 even

doesn't explain 11-12 or 12-13 even doesn't explain 11-12 or 12-13 even

doesn't explain 11-12 or 12-13 even by a penny. Then it was the fault

by a penny. Then it was the fault by a penny. Then it was the fault

by a penny. Then it was the fault up a hospital in Edinburgh, a big

up a hospital in Edinburgh, a big up a hospital in Edinburgh, a big

project delayed for a number of project delayed for a number of

project delayed for a number of reasons, but when we get the

reasons, but when we get the official government paper, money

official government paper, money official government paper, money

wasn't projected to be spent on wasn't projected to be spent on

wasn't projected to be spent on that until 2014-15, so that doesn't

that until 2014-15, so that doesn't that until 2014-15, so that doesn't

that until 2014-15, so that doesn't explain it either. Then we had a

explain it either. Then we had a explain it either. Then we had a

partially true excuse, that it was partially true excuse, that it was

partially true excuse, that it was partially true excuse, that it was

all down to the borders rail link. all down to the borders rail link.

all down to the borders rail link. This project is well over �300

This project is well over �300 million which explains the

million which explains the million which explains the

difference. But when we get the difference. But when we get the

official government paperwork, it official government paperwork, it

official government paperwork, it official government paperwork, it

counts for nothing in 11-12 and �39 counts for nothing in 11-12 and �39

counts for nothing in 11-12 and �39 counts for nothing in 11-12 and �39

million out of the �353 million in million out of the �353 million in

million out of the �353 million in the current financial year. So none

the current financial year. So none the current financial year. So none

the current financial year. So none of those excuses explain it at all.

of those excuses explain it at all. of those excuses explain it at all.

of those excuses explain it at all. So we move then from the incorrect

So we move then from the incorrect So we move then from the incorrect

to the inept from the Scottish to the inept from the Scottish

to the inept from the Scottish government, because when asked for

government, because when asked for government, because when asked for

government, because when asked for a list of projects that have been

a list of projects that have been a list of projects that have been

delivered, the First Minister stood delivered, the First Minister stood

delivered, the First Minister stood delivered, the First Minister stood

up in this chamber and reeled off a up in this chamber and reeled off a

up in this chamber and reeled off a list of 20 projects that hadn't

list of 20 projects that hadn't list of 20 projects that hadn't

been delivered. In most cases been delivered. In most cases

been delivered. In most cases hadn't even been started. We then

hadn't even been started. We then hadn't even been started. We then

had from the Deputy First Minister had from the Deputy First Minister

had from the Deputy First Minister a topical question, the reason

a topical question, the reason a topical question, the reason

given for the delays was because given for the delays was because

given for the delays was because these are large, complex projects

these are large, complex projects these are large, complex projects

these are large, complex projects been procured by a wide range of

been procured by a wide range of procuring authorities. Presiding

procuring authorities. Presiding procuring authorities. Presiding

officer, they were always large, officer, they were always large,

officer, they were always large, complex projects, they were always

complex projects, they were always complex projects, they were always

complex projects, they were always been procured by it a large range

been procured by it a large range of procuring authorities. The

of procuring authorities. The of procuring authorities. The

deputy First Minister also said deputy First Minister also said

deputy First Minister also said they are delayed because time was

they are delayed because time was they are delayed because time was

taken up on the preparation and taken up on the preparation and

taken up on the preparation and design stage. That was always going

design stage. That was always going design stage. That was always going

to be the case with any to be the case with any

to be the case with any construction project in the history

construction project in the history construction project in the history

construction project in the history of the world's. There is always a

of the world's. There is always a of the world's. There is always a

preparation and a design stage. preparation and a design stage.

preparation and a design stage. That was Gavin Brown from the

That was Gavin Brown from the Conservative speaking about the

Conservative speaking about the Conservative speaking about the

delay in capital building projects. delay in capital building projects.

delay in capital building projects. delay in capital building projects.

We will come back to that later. A We will come back to that later. A

We will come back to that later. A minute ago we were discussing that

minute ago we were discussing that minute ago we were discussing that

the deputy First Minister Nicola the deputy First Minister Nicola

the deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland faces a

Sturgeon says Scotland faces a disproportionate cuts in EU

disproportionate cuts in EU disproportionate cuts in EU

structural funds. She has told MSPs structural funds. She has told MSPs

structural funds. She has told MSPs structural funds. She has told MSPs

she is concerned that the recent EU she is concerned that the recent EU

she is concerned that the recent EU budget settlement could reduce:'s

budget settlement could reduce:'s budget settlement could reduce:'s

allocation by a quarter of a allocation by a quarter of a

allocation by a quarter of a billion pounds. But the UK

billion pounds. But the UK Government has stressed final

Government has stressed final Government has stressed final

allocations have not been set. allocations have not been set.

allocations have not been set. The UK's overall allocation for

The UK's overall allocation for The UK's overall allocation for

2014-20 will fall by approximately 2014-20 will fall by approximately

2014-20 will fall by approximately six per cent. But initial

six per cent. But initial six per cent. But initial

calculations of how much each part calculations of how much each part

calculations of how much each part of the UK would receive has

of the UK would receive has produced concerning results and

produced concerning results and produced concerning results and

could see Scotland face an overall could see Scotland face an overall

could see Scotland face an overall could see Scotland face an overall

reduction of over 30 per cent with reduction of over 30 per cent with

reduction of over 30 per cent with by far the biggest reduction been

by far the biggest reduction been by far the biggest reduction been

in the Highlands and Islands. in the Highlands and Islands.

in the Highlands and Islands. in the Highlands and Islands.

A I am joined by our commentator A I am joined by our commentator

A I am joined by our commentator for the afternoon, Gerry Hassan. It

for the afternoon, Gerry Hassan. It for the afternoon, Gerry Hassan. It

was interesting to see what was was interesting to see what was

was interesting to see what was happening with this. We are hearing

happening with this. We are hearing happening with this. We are hearing

happening with this. We are hearing from Murdo Fraser that this is a

from Murdo Fraser that this is a from Murdo Fraser that this is a

from Murdo Fraser that this is a Budget that is not yet agreed, that

Budget that is not yet agreed, that Budget that is not yet agreed, that

Nicola Sturgeon was categorical in Nicola Sturgeon was categorical in

Nicola Sturgeon was categorical in Nicola Sturgeon was categorical in

the fact that it was a reduction the fact that it was a reduction

the fact that it was a reduction for Scotland. They could both be

for Scotland. They could both be for Scotland. They could both be

for Scotland. They could both be right. She said it could be a

right. She said it could be a right. She said it could be a

reduction for Scotland, at Murdo reduction for Scotland, at Murdo

reduction for Scotland, at Murdo Fraser said the final figures

Fraser said the final figures Fraser said the final figures

haven't been set. But there was haven't been set. But there was

haven't been set. But there was agreement that the EU budget is

agreement that the EU budget is agreement that the EU budget is

falling, which means there will be falling, which means there will be

falling, which means there will be falling, which means there will be

falling, which means there will be a fall in EU funds to the UK, and

a fall in EU funds to the UK, and a fall in EU funds to the UK, and

that has consequences for Scotland, that has consequences for Scotland,

that has consequences for Scotland, that has consequences for Scotland,

so they both could be right. The so they both could be right. The

so they both could be right. The so they both could be right. The

question is who takes the blame for question is who takes the blame for

question is who takes the blame for question is who takes the blame for

this. It is a tricky issue, and it this. It is a tricky issue, and it

this. It is a tricky issue, and it seems these funds are allocated on

seems these funds are allocated on seems these funds are allocated on

the basis of population, which has the basis of population, which has

the basis of population, which has I think when Scotland appeared to

I think when Scotland appeared to I think when Scotland appeared to

I think when Scotland appeared to be losing out, because it was going

be losing out, because it was going be losing out, because it was going

to more heavily populated areas. to more heavily populated areas.

to more heavily populated areas. Yes, but there is the bigger

Yes, but there is the bigger Yes, but there is the bigger

picture of the EU budget falling picture of the EU budget falling

picture of the EU budget falling and EU expansion to places like

and EU expansion to places like and EU expansion to places like

Romania and Book At -- Bulgaria, Romania and Book At -- Bulgaria,

Romania and Book At -- Bulgaria, which has consequences for places

which has consequences for places which has consequences for places

like Scotland. They are medium and like Scotland. They are medium and

like Scotland. They are medium and long-term issues about how Scotland

long-term issues about how Scotland long-term issues about how Scotland

long-term issues about how Scotland gains from the EU. The point about

gains from the EU. The point about gains from the EU. The point about

the structural funds, where they the structural funds, where they

the structural funds, where they went to areas needing the money

went to areas needing the money went to areas needing the money

went to areas needing the money which would help lift them out of

which would help lift them out of which would help lift them out of

poverty or economic inactivity, and poverty or economic inactivity, and

poverty or economic inactivity, and as you mentioned, with EU expansion,

as you mentioned, with EU expansion, as you mentioned, with EU expansion,

once that happens, once it is once that happens, once it is

once that happens, once it is improve, the money could go east,

improve, the money could go east, improve, the money could go east,

maybe. Under Thatcher, Scotland was maybe. Under Thatcher, Scotland was

festooned with European Commission festooned with European Commission

festooned with European Commission festooned with European Commission

and EU flags, and maybe those days and EU flags, and maybe those days

and EU flags, and maybe those days and EU flags, and maybe those days

have passed. The you got a lot of have passed. The you got a lot of

have passed. The you got a lot of profile for its investment in

profile for its investment in profile for its investment in

profile for its investment in Scotland those days -- the you.

Scotland those days -- the you. Scotland those days -- the you.

Scotland those days -- the you. have heard a lot recently about the

have heard a lot recently about the have heard a lot recently about the

cut to the European budget. David cut to the European budget. David

cut to the European budget. David Cameron went to Brussels to

Cameron went to Brussels to Cameron went to Brussels to

negotiate that. But perhaps there negotiate that. But perhaps there

negotiate that. But perhaps there are repercussions from that. Yes.

are repercussions from that. Yes. are repercussions from that. Yes.

As always there are unintended As always there are unintended

As always there are unintended consequences, and this is something

consequences, and this is something consequences, and this is something

that will affect Scotland and have that will affect Scotland and have

political ramifications, affected political ramifications, affected

political ramifications, affected political ramifications, affected

the book across the whole UK. the book across the whole UK.

the book across the whole UK. the book across the whole UK.

suppose at the end of the day when suppose at the end of the day when

suppose at the end of the day when it comes to that money politicians

it comes to that money politicians it comes to that money politicians

it comes to that money politicians it comes to that money politicians

in the UK have to make the you look in the UK have to make the you look

in the UK have to make the you look in the UK have to make the you look

as if it is adhering to the strict as if it is adhering to the strict

spending regulations and getting spending regulations and getting

spending regulations and getting the books. Rather than standing up

the books. Rather than standing up the books. Rather than standing up

the books. Rather than standing up to the EU, they are also looking to

to the EU, they are also looking to to the EU, they are also looking to

to the EU, they are also looking to get a larger part of the decline in

get a larger part of the decline in get a larger part of the decline in

get a larger part of the decline in part, so there is a complex sense

part, so there is a complex sense part, so there is a complex sense

part, so there is a complex sense of how your balance that, you are

of how your balance that, you are of how your balance that, you are

of how your balance that, you are having to play to a very complex,

having to play to a very complex, having to play to a very complex,

different audiences at the same different audiences at the same

different audiences at the same different audiences at the same

time and often been the same speech. time and often been the same speech.

time and often been the same speech. time and often been the same speech.

Thank you. Back with you in a moment.

moment. moment.

moment. Let's cross back to the chamber at

Let's cross back to the chamber at Let's cross back to the chamber at

Holyrood where the debate on the Holyrood where the debate on the

capital spending projects is capital spending projects is

capital spending projects is continuing. Glenn Campbell is once

continuing. Glenn Campbell is once again standing by.

again standing by. again standing by.

That is the cabinet secretary for That is the cabinet secretary for

infrastructure responding to this infrastructure responding to this

Conservative-led debate, and Nicola Conservative-led debate, and Nicola

Conservative-led debate, and Nicola Sturgeon said it was calling the

Sturgeon said it was calling the Conservatives had brought the

Conservatives had brought the Conservatives had brought the

debate to the chamber on capital debate to the chamber on capital

debate to the chamber on capital projects, because, and she has

projects, because, and she has projects, because, and she has

underlined that this act least underlined that this act least

underlined that this act least underlined that this act least

twice so far, the UK Government has twice so far, the UK Government has

cut the Scottish government's cut the Scottish government's

cut the Scottish government's cut the Scottish government's

capital budget by 26 per cent in capital budget by 26 per cent in

capital budget by 26 per cent in real terms over the UK spending

real terms over the UK spending real terms over the UK spending

review period. That is their main review period. That is their main

review period. That is their main response. Let's hear what does she

response. Let's hear what does she has to say.

has to say. has to say.

has to say. A... An amount that will rise to

A... An amount that will rise to A... An amount that will rise to

�3.4 billion this year. Several �3.4 billion this year. Several

�3.4 billion this year. Several projects expected to be completed

projects expected to be completed projects expected to be completed

and operation a look -- operational and operation a look -- operational

and operation a look -- operational in 2013-14. These include health

in 2013-14. These include health projects, high schools and

projects, high schools and developments, and we expect

developments, and we expect developments, and we expect

significant progress to be made on significant progress to be made on

significant progress to be made on the NPD programme in 2013-14, with

the NPD programme in 2013-14, with the NPD programme in 2013-14, with

major projects like Dumfries and major projects like Dumfries and

major projects like Dumfries and gamma-ray row -- Dumfries and

gamma-ray row -- Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Inverness

Galloway Royal Infirmary, Inverness Galloway Royal Infirmary, Inverness

College and Glasgow College moving College and Glasgow College moving

College and Glasgow College moving into construction. Taking forward a

into construction. Taking forward a substantial programme of NPD

substantial programme of NPD substantial programme of NPD

Investment, just to remind the Investment, just to remind the

Investment, just to remind the chamber, �2.5 billion of the

chamber, �2.5 billion of the chamber, �2.5 billion of the

programme is part of this programme is part of this

government's approach to mitigating government's approach to mitigating

government's approach to mitigating government's approach to mitigating

the impact of the cuts to the the impact of the cuts to the

the impact of the cuts to the capital budget. Let me respond to

capital budget. Let me respond to capital budget. Let me respond to

capital budget. Let me respond to some of the points made in the

some of the points made in the some of the points made in the

Conservative motion. As we have Conservative motion. As we have

Conservative motion. As we have been abundantly clear, yes, there

been abundantly clear, yes, there been abundantly clear, yes, there

has been a repro filing of has been a repro filing of

has been a repro filing of Investment get paid to the 12th-13

Investment get paid to the 12th-13 Investment get paid to the 12th-13

forecast, and how do the Tories forecast, and how do the Tories

forecast, and how do the Tories know that? They know that because

know that? They know that because know that? They know that because

of the transparency with which this of the transparency with which this

government has made that government has made that

government has made that information available. So the high

information available. So the high information available. So the high

level estimates of the profile of level estimates of the profile of

level estimates of the profile of capital investment was provided to

capital investment was provided to capital investment was provided to

the finance committee in 20th the finance committee in 20th

January 11. Similar profile, January 11. Similar profile,

January 11. Similar profile, including the grave within the

including the grave within the including the grave within the

draft budget in 2012-13, based on draft budget in 2012-13, based on

draft budget in 2012-13, based on early estimates prepared by the

early estimates prepared by the early estimates prepared by the

Scottish teachers Trust. There are Scottish teachers Trust. There are

Scottish teachers Trust. There are Scottish teachers Trust. There are

a range of reasons for the changes a range of reasons for the changes

a range of reasons for the changes in timing, because, while Gavin

in timing, because, while Gavin in timing, because, while Gavin

Brown might think this is Brown might think this is

Brown might think this is convenient, there are 50 complex

convenient, there are 50 complex convenient, there are 50 complex

projects being taken forward by 30 projects being taken forward by 30

procuring of Verity's. Significant procuring of Verity's. Significant

procuring of Verity's. Significant procuring of Verity's. Significant

work has been taken with his many work has been taken with his many

authorities to develop these authorities to develop these

authorities to develop these projects, and the updated profile

projects, and the updated profile projects, and the updated profile

reflects this more detailed level reflects this more detailed level

reflects this more detailed level of scrutiny and planning. Gavin

of scrutiny and planning. Gavin of scrutiny and planning. Gavin

Brown seemed to suggest in his Brown seemed to suggest in his

Brown seemed to suggest in his opening remarks that we should

opening remarks that we should opening remarks that we should

somehow or ignore the process of somehow or ignore the process of

business case planning and business case planning and

procurement processes. Perhaps it procurement processes. Perhaps it

procurement processes. Perhaps it is that kind of irresponsibility

is that kind of irresponsibility which has characterised approaches

which has characterised approaches which has characterised approaches

taken by parties on both the taken by parties on both the

taken by parties on both the opposition benches here at at

opposition benches here at at opposition benches here at at

Westminster. This is a. Maids in Westminster. This is a. Maids in

Westminster. This is a. Maids in Westminster. This is a. Maids in

the cost review in 2010. Time taken the cost review in 2010. Time taken

the cost review in 2010. Time taken to prepare projects thoroughly will

to prepare projects thoroughly will to prepare projects thoroughly will

deliver better value for money deliver better value for money

deliver better value for money overall. For a consideration of

overall. For a consideration of operation for joined-up cassette

operation for joined-up cassette planning, better building

planning, better building efficiency, clearly specified

efficiency, clearly specified projects allowing faster

projects allowing faster projects allowing faster

procurement and has been the case procurement and has been the case

previously, appropriate blending of previously, appropriate blending of

previously, appropriate blending of previously, appropriate blending of

funding to D risk projects and make funding to D risk projects and make

funding to D risk projects and make them more deliverable. As I have

them more deliverable. As I have them more deliverable. As I have

them more deliverable. As I have indicated that a happy to do so

indicated that a happy to do so indicated that a happy to do so

indicated that a happy to do so again, progress as a result of that

again, progress as a result of that again, progress as a result of that

careful preparatory work done is careful preparatory work done is

careful preparatory work done is speeding up significantly. And here

speeding up significantly. And here speeding up significantly. And here

is another fact the Tories don't is another fact the Tories don't

is another fact the Tories don't like to hear. The estimated total

like to hear. The estimated total like to hear. The estimated total

value of NPD projects already in value of NPD projects already in

procurement or developments is procurement or developments is

procurement or developments is around �1.6 billion. �1.6 billion.

around �1.6 billion. �1.6 billion. around �1.6 billion. �1.6 billion.

The first help project is already The first help project is already

The first help project is already in construction and will be

in construction and will be completed in 2013. Inverness,

completed in 2013. Inverness, Glasgow, Kilmarnock colleges along

Glasgow, Kilmarnock colleges along Glasgow, Kilmarnock colleges along

with motorway improvements, a range with motorway improvements, a range

with motorway improvements, a range of small and community health and

of small and community health and of small and community health and

school projects will move into school projects will move into

school projects will move into construction over the cause of this

construction over the cause of this construction over the cause of this

year. That is the reality. This year. That is the reality. This

government is making significant government is making significant

government is making significant progress despite the cuts made by

progress despite the cuts made by progress despite the cuts made by

the Tories, which were first the Tories, which were first

the Tories, which were first planned by the last Labour

planned by the last Labour planned by the last Labour

government. It is the case that government. It is the case that

government. It is the case that with poll powers of independence

with poll powers of independence with poll powers of independence

and borrowing powers, we can do and borrowing powers, we can do

and borrowing powers, we can do even more -- for powers of

even more -- for powers of independence. Colin Richard Baker

independence. Colin Richard Baker independence. Colin Richard Baker

independence. Colin Richard Baker to speak for and move the amendment.

to speak for and move the amendment. to speak for and move the amendment.

Five minutes please. We have been Five minutes please. We have been

Five minutes please. We have been told repeatedly by ministers of how

told repeatedly by ministers of how told repeatedly by ministers of how

crucial the NPD programme is, the crucial the NPD programme is, the

crucial the NPD programme is, the economic strategy for creating jobs

economic strategy for creating jobs economic strategy for creating jobs

and stimulating growth. We have and stimulating growth. We have

and stimulating growth. We have agreed that the cut to capital

agreed that the cut to capital agreed that the cut to capital

agreed that the cut to capital budgets has been too steep and fast

budgets has been too steep and fast and threaten dire economic

and threaten dire economic and threaten dire economic

prospects. The ministers have been prospects. The ministers have been

prospects. The ministers have been Ron -- wrong in their description

Ron -- wrong in their description Ron -- wrong in their description

of the previous Labour government's of the previous Labour government's

of the previous Labour government's spending plans in terms of

spending plans in terms of spending plans in terms of

infrastructure,... I am grateful to infrastructure,... I am grateful to

infrastructure,... I am grateful to Mr Baker for giving way. The

Mr Baker for giving way. The previous government's final Budget

previous government's final Budget previous government's final Budget

in March 2010 forecast net in March 2010 forecast net

in March 2010 forecast net investment would fall in cash terms

investment would fall in cash terms investment would fall in cash terms

investment would fall in cash terms from �40 billion in 2010-11 to �23

from �40 billion in 2010-11 to �23 from �40 billion in 2010-11 to �23

from �40 billion in 2010-11 to �23 billion by a 14-15. The current UK

billion by a 14-15. The current UK billion by a 14-15. The current UK

Government's plans would see that Government's plans would see that

Government's plans would see that Government's plans would see that

fall from 38 billion to 26 billion. fall from 38 billion to 26 billion.

fall from 38 billion to 26 billion. fall from 38 billion to 26 billion.

So which part of slash and burn did So which part of slash and burn did

So which part of slash and burn did Mr Baker not associate himself

Mr Baker not associate himself Mr Baker not associate himself

Mr Baker not associate himself with? He is making a similar claim

with? He is making a similar claim with? He is making a similar claim

to George Osborne. The latest to George Osborne. The latest

to George Osborne. The latest figures from BRS show Mr Osborne's

figures from BRS show Mr Osborne's figures from BRS show Mr Osborne's

claim to spend more on claim to spend more on

claim to spend more on infrastructure than what the Labour

infrastructure than what the Labour infrastructure than what the Labour

planned is wrong. A coalition have planned is wrong. A coalition have

planned is wrong. A coalition have spent less than Labour intended.

spent less than Labour intended. spent less than Labour intended.

spent less than Labour intended. What we can agree on is that not

What we can agree on is that not What we can agree on is that not

only is he completely wrong in only is he completely wrong in

only is he completely wrong in only is he completely wrong in

terms of fact in this debate, but terms of fact in this debate, but

terms of fact in this debate, but he is completely wrong in the

he is completely wrong in the he is completely wrong in the

ramshackle description of the NPT ramshackle description of the NPT

ramshackle description of the NPT efforts failing to deliver on what

efforts failing to deliver on what efforts failing to deliver on what

they call an important programme -- they call an important programme --

they call an important programme -- NPD. If every investment is worth

NPD. If every investment is worth NPD. If every investment is worth

1400 jobs, how many job 1400 jobs, how many job

1400 jobs, how many job opportunities over the past year

opportunities over the past year opportunities over the past year

opportunities over the past year have been lost because of delays to

have been lost because of delays to have been lost because of delays to

these projects at the very time these projects at the very time

these projects at the very time these projects at the very time

when these jobs are needed most? We when these jobs are needed most? We

when these jobs are needed most? We when these jobs are needed most? We

were told this new scheme would be were told this new scheme would be

were told this new scheme would be Trans formation from the old PFI

Trans formation from the old PFI Trans formation from the old PFI

schemes. In some ways it hasn't schemes. In some ways it hasn't

schemes. In some ways it hasn't schemes. In some ways it hasn't

because at least on the old stick - because at least on the old stick -

because at least on the old stick - - scheme projects were delivered.

- scheme projects were delivered. - scheme projects were delivered.

- scheme projects were delivered. Murdo Fraser got it right when he

Murdo Fraser got it right when he Murdo Fraser got it right when he

called it the non-delivery profit called it the non-delivery profit

programme, because the reality programme, because the reality

programme, because the reality years, although projects are being

years, although projects are being years, although projects are being

delayed... Order.A in 2012. The delayed... Order.A in 2012. The

delayed... Order.A in 2012. The Public Private awards, the Scottish

Public Private awards, the Scottish Public Private awards, the Scottish

futures just won an award. I futures just won an award. I

futures just won an award. I futures just won an award. I

haven't seen the short list for it haven't seen the short list for it

haven't seen the short list for it haven't seen the short list for it

this year, but I imagine that will this year, but I imagine that will

Now Westminster is in recess this Now Westminster is in recess this

Now Westminster is in recess this week, so we have no Prime

week, so we have no Prime Minister's Questions or MPs

Minister's Questions or MPs Minister's Questions or MPs

standing by on College Green, but standing by on College Green, but

standing by on College Green, but we do have our correspondent Niall

O'Gallacher. O'Gallacher.

O'Gallacher. There was bad news for the

There was bad news for the There was bad news for the

Chancellor this morning when he Chancellor this morning when he

Chancellor this morning when he found he was facing a worrying

found he was facing a worrying found he was facing a worrying

shortfall in the 4G auction, the shortfall in the 4G auction, the

shortfall in the 4G auction, the mobile phone auction. Yes, there

mobile phone auction. Yes, there mobile phone auction. Yes, there

mobile phone auction. Yes, there were more than �1 billion less than

were more than �1 billion less than were more than �1 billion less than

expected. To the Treasury, these �1 expected. To the Treasury, these �1

expected. To the Treasury, these �1 expected. To the Treasury, these �1

billion or the start to add up to billion or the start to add up to

billion or the start to add up to real money. George Osborne suggests

real money. George Osborne suggests real money. George Osborne suggests

that economically this is not a that economically this is not a

that economically this is not a that economically this is not a

problem and their goal is to reduce problem and their goal is to reduce

problem and their goal is to reduce the annual gap between what the

the annual gap between what the the annual gap between what the

Government spends and what they can Government spends and what they can

Government spends and what they can Government spends and what they can

Government spends and what they can raise in tax and this may be A1 of

raise in tax and this may be A1 of raise in tax and this may be A1 of

disappointing but it does not disappointing but it does not

disappointing but it does not factor in that much. Although they

factor in that much. Although they factor in that much. Although they

borrowed �120 billion last year borrowed �120 billion last year

borrowed �120 billion last year borrowed �120 billion last year

they say this figure is not very they say this figure is not very

they say this figure is not very important. But the politics is more

important. But the politics is more important. But the politics is more

important. The figure they said important. The figure they said

important. The figure they said they were raising last year was

they were raising last year was they were raising last year was

part of the figures that allowed part of the figures that allowed

part of the figures that allowed the Chancellor to say that the

the Chancellor to say that the the Chancellor to say that the

the Chancellor to say that the deficit was falling and it would be

deficit was falling and it would be deficit was falling and it would be

deficit was falling and it would be deficit was falling and it would be

low at the end of this year than it low at the end of this year than it

low at the end of this year than it was last year. As things stand,

was last year. As things stand, was last year. As things stand,

this disappointing result with -- this disappointing result with --

this disappointing result with -- along with falling tax returns

along with falling tax returns along with falling tax returns

along with falling tax returns means it is far from clear whether

means it is far from clear whether means it is far from clear whether

George Osborne will be in a George Osborne will be in a

George Osborne will be in a George Osborne will be in a

position to see that in his next position to see that in his next

position to see that in his next Budget. Labour, of course, have

Budget. Labour, of course, have Budget. Labour, of course, have

leapt on this. The shadow chief leapt on this. The shadow chief

leapt on this. The shadow chief secretary to the Treasury said it

secretary to the Treasury said it secretary to the Treasury said it

showed how foolish and short term showed how foolish and short term

showed how foolish and short term the Chancellor was by making that

the Chancellor was by making that the Chancellor was by making that

statement in the autumn statement statement in the autumn statement

statement in the autumn statement in December. Labour say that the

in December. Labour say that the in December. Labour say that the

in December. Labour say that the Chancellor has been at it and he

Chancellor has been at it and he Chancellor has been at it and he

Chancellor has been at it and he has been caught at it and he has

has been caught at it and he has has been caught at it and he has

has been caught at it and he has been trying to fix the figures but

been trying to fix the figures but been trying to fix the figures but

been trying to fix the figures but there is also the Office of Budget

there is also the Office of Budget Responsibility whose stated purpose

Responsibility whose stated purpose Responsibility whose stated purpose

Responsibility whose stated purpose was to try and take the politics

was to try and take the politics was to try and take the politics

was to try and take the politics out of some of these figures. The

out of some of these figures. The out of some of these figures. The

Government are saying that the �3.5 Government are saying that the �3.5

Government are saying that the �3.5 billion estimate came from them and

billion estimate came from them and billion estimate came from them and

billion estimate came from them and they have come back and said they

they have come back and said they they have come back and said they

just certified a figure that came just certified a figure that came

just certified a figure that came from the Government. And their

from the Government. And their from the Government. And their

approval of that figure came with approval of that figure came with

approval of that figure came with significant cabbie at some worries

significant cabbie at some worries significant cabbie at some worries

about how optimistic it was. There about how optimistic it was. There

about how optimistic it was. There about how optimistic it was. There

will be a major benefit to the will be a major benefit to the

will be a major benefit to the economy from the 4G signal and

economy from the 4G signal and economy from the 4G signal and

Maria Miller has responsibility in Maria Miller has responsibility in