0:00:15 > 0:00:17Hello and a very warm welcome to a decidedly
0:00:17 > 0:00:21autumnal Westminster for October's
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Scottish Questions, the first one since the party
0:00:23 > 0:00:27political conference season.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Before then it was about Brexit and now it is all
0:00:29 > 0:00:31about Brexit.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33In fact, Scottish Questions could be summed up in
0:00:33 > 0:00:37three words, Brexit, Brexit, Brexit.
0:00:37 > 0:00:43Here's how proceedings got underway.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Order, order.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland,
0:00:53 > 0:01:01Carol Monaghan.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Can I begin by commending you, not only on your
0:01:05 > 0:01:09attendance at the Davis Cup semifinal in Glasgow, but for your
0:01:09 > 0:01:15obvious enthusiasm and exuberance which the honourable lady for
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Glasgow Central and I were witness to and I'm sure you'll agree that
0:01:19 > 0:01:21although the result was not as we would have wished,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25the event once again confirmed Glasgow's place as a
0:01:25 > 0:01:30great sporting venue.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Mr Speaker, with permission I will answer
0:01:33 > 0:01:35questions one, two and four together.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38The UK leaving the EU should be seen as an opportunity
0:01:38 > 0:01:40for Scotland.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Today's GDP figures are encouraging as a sign of growth.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48But Scotland still lags behind the UK as
0:01:48 > 0:01:52a whole and that underlines the need for Scotland's two governments to
0:01:52 > 0:01:56work together to take such opportunities.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01You and your daughter did a fantastic job again.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07As did the constituency member of Parliament.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Given that Brexit continues to be billed
0:02:11 > 0:02:15as taking back control, can the Secretary of State tell us which
0:02:15 > 0:02:20powers that are currently controlled by Brussels will the UK Government
0:02:20 > 0:02:30commit to giving to Holyrood and which we'll be going to Westminster?
0:02:31 > 0:02:36Because of devolution settlements within the UK, they are predicated
0:02:36 > 0:02:40on the basis that the UK was a member of the EU then those
0:02:40 > 0:02:45devolution settlements will be changed by the United Kingdom
0:02:45 > 0:02:48leaving the EU and those will be matters which will be subject to
0:02:48 > 0:02:54debate and discussion.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56I am not entirely certain the Secretary of
0:02:56 > 0:02:58State answered that question.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Will he categorically rule out that powers
0:03:00 > 0:03:03will not be re-reserve to this Parliament
0:03:03 > 0:03:09as a result of the decision to leave the EU?
0:03:09 > 0:03:14What I can say is that no powers which are
0:03:14 > 0:03:17currently exercised by the Scottish parliament will be re-reserved to
0:03:17 > 0:03:24this Parliament as a result of the United Kingdom leaving the EU.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30With a constituency that has an industry
0:03:30 > 0:03:32that's right interest in having a large
0:03:32 > 0:03:33pharmaceutical production and airport,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36can I ask what the view will be
0:03:36 > 0:03:38on the single market, the open skies
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and the European Medicines Agency?
0:03:42 > 0:03:48Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister at the Conservative
0:03:48 > 0:03:52conference made very, very clear that we
0:03:52 > 0:03:54want to have access to the single market
0:03:54 > 0:03:56and that we want to ensure free trade.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58The sectors she has mentioned are very important and
0:03:58 > 0:04:04are part of a group of sectors we are in gauging closely with to
0:04:04 > 0:04:07identify their specific interests and concerns so that they will be
0:04:07 > 0:04:12part of the UK's negotiating position.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Is it not the case there should be a substantial boost to
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation
0:04:17 > 0:04:25of the pound since the Brexit vote?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Well, Mr Speaker, sectors within Scotland would
0:04:28 > 0:04:31acknowledge, for example, the tourism sector where we saw
0:04:31 > 0:04:35a record attendance at the Edinburgh Festival
0:04:35 > 0:04:40recently, have benefited from the devaluation of the pound.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I think the agricultural sector in Scotland
0:04:42 > 0:04:51would acknowledge that, too.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53But I don't see that as being an end in itself.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56We need to ensure we get the best possible deal
0:04:56 > 0:04:57for Scotland and the UK from these negotiations
0:05:02 > 0:05:05It is right to say we leave a dysfunctional union
0:05:05 > 0:05:07in the European Union and it's an opportunity for
0:05:07 > 0:05:11the people of Scotland.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Is it not also the case that if we were to
0:05:14 > 0:05:20follow the SNP policy, we would land the people of Scotland
0:05:20 > 0:05:25with a huge public sector deficit and the prospect of either tax rises
0:05:25 > 0:05:29or cuts in services?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32That is absolutely right and it seems to be
0:05:32 > 0:05:34a very strange contradiction that members on the benches opposite are
0:05:34 > 0:05:39rightly so concerned about Scotland's
0:05:39 > 0:05:43continued trade with the EU,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45but they disregard the fact that Scotland's
0:05:45 > 0:05:47trade with the rest of the UK
0:05:47 > 0:05:50is four times as much is with the EU
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and that a million jobs in Scotland
0:05:53 > 0:05:57depend on our trade within the UK and that's the
0:05:57 > 0:06:01union that matters to Scotland.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Thank you.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Given the importance of that single market to Scotland, does
0:06:05 > 0:06:08my right honourable friend agree that the last thing the Scottish
0:06:08 > 0:06:10economy needs is perpetual uncertainty of another
0:06:10 > 0:06:16independence referendum?
0:06:16 > 0:06:22Mr Speaker, if anyone actually listens to businesses in Scotland,
0:06:22 > 0:06:27and indeed to the people of Scotland, it's quite clear that
0:06:27 > 0:06:31people do not want another divisive independence referendum
0:06:31 > 0:06:34in Scotland other than individuals who are
0:06:34 > 0:06:37obsessed with independence.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41We need to listen to business, take a second
0:06:41 > 0:06:43independence referendum off the table and
0:06:43 > 0:06:45concentrate on getting the best possible deal
0:06:45 > 0:06:55for Scotland and the UK from these negotiations.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59With demands from Nissan suggesting the company will suffer
0:06:59 > 0:07:06a loss in profits may be due compensation, can the Secretary of
0:07:06 > 0:07:10State ensure businesses in Scotland that they will be entitled
0:07:10 > 0:07:15to the same deal?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18If that's the case, has he made an assessment of the cost of
0:07:18 > 0:07:19such compensation?
0:07:19 > 0:07:24Can I begin by congratulating the honourable gentleman on retaining
0:07:24 > 0:07:32his position as a Shadow Scottish Secretary.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35On the benches behind him, I understand is the Westminster
0:07:35 > 0:07:40spokesman of the Scottish Labour Party and I'm sure it will emerge
0:07:40 > 0:07:45during these questions how those two positions interrelate.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47The point I would make in response to the question
0:07:47 > 0:07:52is that we will have a common response across the UK and
0:07:52 > 0:07:54whatever support is put in place for businesses in the North
0:07:54 > 0:08:03of England will apply for businesses in Scotland.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Scotland has always looked out to the world.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12Could the government do
0:08:12 > 0:08:19more to rekindle the outlook in Scotland rather than the First
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about
0:08:21 > 0:08:22independence?
0:08:22 > 0:08:27I agree that we need to see Brexit as an opportunity and
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I was very interested to see yesterday that the leader of Glasgow
0:08:30 > 0:08:36City Council also took that view that Brexit offered an opportunity
0:08:36 > 0:08:39for Glasgow to continue to flourish.
0:08:39 > 0:08:46So rather than doom-mongering which is a constant refrain of the SNP,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49let's take a positive approach and seize the opportunities that are out
0:08:49 > 0:08:54there for Scotland.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58May I remind the Secretary of State for Scotland
0:08:58 > 0:09:03that he was elected on a manifesto commitment
0:09:03 > 0:09:06to "Safeguard British interests in the single market".
0:09:06 > 0:09:09So will he and his government work with the Scottish Government,
0:09:09 > 0:09:14respect the 62% of Scottish voters who voted to remain
0:09:14 > 0:09:21within the European Union and protect our place within Europe?
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Of course I will do that, but I will also respect
0:09:25 > 0:09:28the half of voters in his own constituency
0:09:28 > 0:09:33who voted to leave the EU.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38The right honourable gentleman doesn't make much of it, Mr Speaker,
0:09:38 > 0:09:46but a higher percentage of people in his constituency
0:09:46 > 0:09:48voted to leave the EU than voted for him,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52so let's respect everybody in this debate.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54I'm committed...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56I am committed to working with the Scottish Government.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58I've met Michael Russell on a number of occasions,
0:09:58 > 0:10:03the First Minister and the Prime Minister will meet on the
0:10:03 > 0:10:0624th October and their engagement will be essential to achieving what
0:10:06 > 0:10:10we want, the best possible deal for Scotland.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Yesterday we learned from statistics that the cost Brexit will cost
0:10:14 > 0:10:21?66 billion a year.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23If this is being prepared for the Cabinet Office,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25surely they are also being prepared for the
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Scotland Office so will
0:10:28 > 0:10:32the Secretary of State for Scotland be candid with the house and candid
0:10:32 > 0:10:39with the people of Scotland and tell us how much will Brexit cost?
0:10:39 > 0:10:46We're not even at the stage of the negotiations.
0:10:46 > 0:10:54What the Prime Minister has set out the process
0:10:54 > 0:10:56for taking the negotiations forward, it's inevitable that we
0:10:56 > 0:10:59will see press reports and speculation, leaks and all sorts of
0:10:59 > 0:11:03other supposition.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08What I want to do is to ensure that going into those
0:11:08 > 0:11:10negotiations, we do so in conjunction with the Scottish
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Government to get the best possible deal and that's what
0:11:13 > 0:11:17my commitment is.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Thank you.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Has the Secretary of State seen the report published
0:11:24 > 0:11:27yesterday showing that one half of all commercial fish and two
0:11:27 > 0:11:29thirds of all pelagic fish caught in UK waters
0:11:29 > 0:11:31were caught by boats from other EU countries?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Does he understand why Scottish fishermen
0:11:34 > 0:11:39see these negotiations as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
0:11:39 > 0:11:48undo the damage caused by the Common Fisheries Policy.
0:11:55 > 0:12:01Mr Speaker, I commend the Scottish Fishermen's Federation
0:12:01 > 0:12:03and others as to their approach in relation
0:12:03 > 0:12:07to the negotiations.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10They see them as an opportunity for the very reasons
0:12:10 > 0:12:13that he refers to in yesterday's report.
0:12:13 > 0:12:23They were quite right to characterise the report and they
0:12:27 > 0:12:29have my support in achieving that.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31It is an assessment on the impact of the Scottish economy...
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Some people are demanding that Scotland leave
0:12:33 > 0:12:41the UK market week in and week out.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45As I said earlier, I find it very surprising
0:12:45 > 0:12:48that people who set out a great enthusiasm
0:12:48 > 0:12:51for the European single market at the same time are
0:12:51 > 0:12:54willing to dismiss the UK single market
0:12:54 > 0:12:57which is worth four times as much
0:12:57 > 0:12:59to the Scottish economy and employs
0:12:59 > 0:13:05a million Scottish people.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Today's GDP figures in Scotland are welcome
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and the major increase is a result
0:13:11 > 0:13:13of the services sector, probably driven by the financial
0:13:13 > 0:13:18services sector in Scotland.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21So what is the Secretary of State doing to
0:13:21 > 0:13:25protect that sector and can he give an assurance that he will
0:13:25 > 0:13:29stand by the Conservative Party's commitment in the 2015 manifesto
0:13:29 > 0:13:36that he says "Yes" to the single market?
0:13:36 > 0:13:37We fully recognise the importance
0:13:37 > 0:13:41of the financial sector in Edinburgh and Scotland
0:13:41 > 0:13:42more generally.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46I'm determined the interests will be protected and we
0:13:46 > 0:13:49are working closely with them to make sure
0:13:49 > 0:13:51they are very much to the forefront
0:13:51 > 0:13:53as we move forward with establishing the UK's
0:13:53 > 0:13:58negotiating position.
0:13:58 > 0:14:06Question three, Mr Speaker.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08With permission, I will answer questions three, six
0:14:08 > 0:14:18and seven together.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Since the referendum, Scotland's office ministers have
0:14:21 > 0:14:22held meetings to discuss the implications for Scotland.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24We intend to hold further such meetings to
0:14:24 > 0:14:27ensure Scottish business interests are fully represented in the
0:14:27 > 0:14:30negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU and in any
0:14:30 > 0:14:35future trade arrangements.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Does my right honourable friend agree that when we
0:14:37 > 0:14:41negotiate free-trade deals outside of the EU
0:14:41 > 0:14:43we can remove some of the protectionist
0:14:43 > 0:14:47tariffs barriers the EU has erected thereby reducing
0:14:47 > 0:14:50consumer prices for consumers in Scotland
0:14:50 > 0:14:54and, indeed, the whole of the UK?
0:14:54 > 0:15:03I do agree with my honourable friend and I believe that this government
0:15:03 > 0:15:09and this country can be an advocate around the world for free trade.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13Trade liberalisation between advanced economies can have a
0:15:13 > 0:15:16positive impact on the consumer and that's what we want to see in
0:15:16 > 0:15:26Scotland and across the UK.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33He gets the maximum opportunities for Scottish business,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36but also uses as an opportunity to demonstrate
0:15:36 > 0:15:40that Scotland is better as part of the United Kingdom
0:15:40 > 0:15:43and knock on the head all this talk of independence which
0:15:43 > 0:15:47we incessantly hear from the party opposite.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52Mr Speaker, I agree with my right honorable friend.
0:15:52 > 0:15:59It is vital that we promote Scotland's
0:15:59 > 0:16:02interests in that way but that we do so working
0:16:02 > 0:16:09in conjunction with the Scottish Government.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Both governments can have a role to play.
0:16:13 > 0:16:21As the Scotch Whisky Association has identified in developing new markets
0:16:21 > 0:16:26in promoting that vitally important product's future.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Exports of Scotch with are up for the first
0:16:28 > 0:16:31time in three years with a surge in exports to India.
0:16:31 > 0:16:41Should the UK work together to support the export of
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Great British products, including great Scottish products
0:16:46 > 0:16:47like whisky?
0:16:47 > 0:16:56Mr Speaker, I do as I said in my previous remarks and bodies
0:16:59 > 0:17:01such as the Scotch whisky Association
0:17:01 > 0:17:02acknowledge and accept that
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and they want to see the two governments working together in
0:17:04 > 0:17:07regard to that and that is what I am committed to doing.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09If the government leaves the European
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Union, via as specific trade arrangement with the EU, is he happy
0:17:11 > 0:17:14to fall back on WTO work organisations?
0:17:14 > 0:17:21Mr Speaker, I am sure that is the sort of speculation is
0:17:21 > 0:17:23sought from ministers over the weeks and months ahead.
0:17:23 > 0:17:30The Prime Minister has set out the process for
0:17:30 > 0:17:34negotiating our exit from the EU and the conclusion of that process
0:17:34 > 0:17:37I am confined we will have achieved the best possible deal
0:17:37 > 0:17:40for Scotland and the rest of the UK.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42The Secretary of State on many occasions extolled the
0:17:42 > 0:17:47trade benefits of the single market in Scotland.
0:17:47 > 0:17:56So regardless of whether the UK is a member state of
0:17:56 > 0:18:00the EU or not, does he still believe it is in Scotland's interest
0:18:00 > 0:18:02have membership of the single market rather than access third party
0:18:02 > 0:18:03access?
0:18:03 > 0:18:11As I have also said is that the United Kingdom will have abysmal
0:18:11 > 0:18:14-- bespoke arrangement with the EU when we leave.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It is not appropriate or sensible
0:18:16 > 0:18:18to see the negotiating process and context of existing
0:18:18 > 0:18:21arrangements that have been done with other countries are the
0:18:21 > 0:18:24existing structure of the EU.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26What we should look to do is get the best
0:18:26 > 0:18:35possible deal for businesses.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40Our training bodies and organisations,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43business employees in Scotland are saying they are struggling on how
0:18:43 > 0:18:52the apprenticeship levy will work in Scotland.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Can he ensure that unlike his colleague, he will work with the
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Scottish Government to give the people the information they need?
0:18:58 > 0:19:00I am committed to doing that and I can
0:19:00 > 0:19:05confirm that the apprenticeship levy will be discussed when the joint
0:19:05 > 0:19:09ministerial council meets on the 24th of October.
0:19:09 > 0:19:16What's are the areas in which these apprenticeships
0:19:16 > 0:19:19could work will be the decommission of the oil industry and oil rigs.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21We have already seen the loss of 80,000
0:19:21 > 0:19:22jobs in that industry.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23If we continue to lose contracts with
0:19:23 > 0:19:26decommissioning to other countries this will continue.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Does the government have any strategy to make
0:19:29 > 0:19:38sure that these crucial jobs remaining Scottish fans?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Mr Speaker, he will know the
0:19:40 > 0:19:41government is committed to the industry.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46It ?2.3 billion investments and associated tax
0:19:46 > 0:19:48changes were exactly what the industry asked
0:19:48 > 0:19:50in terms of support.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53We have also established along with the Scottish Government the ?250
0:19:53 > 0:19:59million Aberdeen city deal which will have at its heart a new
0:19:59 > 0:20:06technology centre to ensure skills and jobs remain in the north-east.
0:20:06 > 0:20:14Mr Speaker, a significant number of new welfare powers
0:20:14 > 0:20:20came into force this September.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23And gave the Scottish Parliament new choices of welfare in Scotland.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25The joint ministerial working group in Scotland met
0:20:25 > 0:20:27yesterday to continue it is important and constructive work
0:20:27 > 0:20:32overseeing the transfer of remaining powers.
0:20:32 > 0:20:42With that significant transfer of powers from the UK
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Government to Edinburgh, does he agree with me the
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Scottish Government should get on with exercising those powers
0:20:47 > 0:20:54for the sake and welfare of the people of
0:20:54 > 0:21:00Scotland, rather than wasting time on talk of a second referendum?
0:21:00 > 0:21:02I agree.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07These are significant powers which the Scottish Government and
0:21:07 > 0:21:08the Scottish National Party asked for.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10People around Scotland will be looking to see how
0:21:10 > 0:21:13they are being deployed and what processes are being used.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I think the message coming from the people
0:21:16 > 0:21:19in Scotland generally is get on with the day job to
0:21:19 > 0:21:21the Scottish Government.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I am sure yesterday at the joint ministerial working group,
0:21:23 > 0:21:27ministers would have stressed their desire
0:21:27 > 0:21:34to see work programmes on a voluntary basis.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37What efforts will his government make to ensure those are met?
0:21:37 > 0:21:41We will respect the desire for the programmes to proceed on a
0:21:41 > 0:21:45voluntary basis.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47And that has been made clear.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50What the people of Scotland will want to know is what
0:21:50 > 0:21:52the Scottish Government intends to do in relation to people
0:21:52 > 0:21:55who do not volunteer to be part of the programme.
0:21:55 > 0:22:05Question number eight, Mr Speaker.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10I will answer this question with question ten.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12The government closely with industry to drive
0:22:12 > 0:22:22investment and support jobs in the North Sea.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Revenue from the North Sea oil has dropped by ?10 billion
0:22:27 > 0:22:28over the last two years.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30What steps is the government taking to ensure
0:22:30 > 0:22:36that public services in Scotland do not
0:22:36 > 0:22:40suffer as result of this drop in revenue?
0:22:40 > 0:22:43There has been a shock from global changes in the
0:22:43 > 0:22:52oil and gas industry.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54As the latest finance public figures show, being
0:22:54 > 0:22:56in the UK protects living standards in Scotland.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59This drop in revenues has been offset by a programme of
0:22:59 > 0:23:02government support in tax relief and allowances as well as a host of
0:23:02 > 0:23:10other areas.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Supply of home-grown free stocks is important to...
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Can the Minister assure the house that the
0:23:16 > 0:23:19government will continue to take steps to support the many jobs of
0:23:19 > 0:23:22our foundation industries that depend on the sector?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25My colleague is right to highlight this issue.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28The UK chemicals sector is a vital part of our manufacturing industry
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and an important contributor to the economy.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36The government is working closely with the industry to
0:23:36 > 0:23:39implement the desire to grow by ?105 billion by 2030.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42A key element of that will be delivering to energy
0:23:42 > 0:23:48and feedstock supplies.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Industry have been quite clear that more work
0:23:50 > 0:23:53needs to be done to boost exploration.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57In the Autumn Statement will this government bring forward
0:23:57 > 0:24:02exploration incentives to protect employment and boost production?
0:24:02 > 0:24:03It remains an important part, the continental
0:24:03 > 0:24:05shelf is depleting.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10The government has taken serious steps
0:24:10 > 0:24:13in this area in Aberdeen with the city deal and I am not going to
0:24:13 > 0:24:15comment on the Autumn Statement.
0:24:15 > 0:24:23It is an issue of some focus for the government.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Mr Speaker, since Question Time began this morning,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29five members on these benches have asked about membership of the
0:24:29 > 0:24:30European Union.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Two have asked about Scottish jobs.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Seven members of the Conservative benches want to talk
0:24:34 > 0:24:44about Scottish independence.
0:24:50 > 0:24:59Who is obsessed with Scottish independence?
0:24:59 > 0:25:09I could do no better than refer him
0:25:10 > 0:25:13to the words of Adam Smith when he said that the union of 77
0:25:13 > 0:25:19was a measure from which infinite good has been derived to Scotland.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20Order - there is far too much noise.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22He ought to be heard.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23Not quite a debutante.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24We can only hope.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26The steel industry in Scotland remains a
0:25:26 > 0:25:30vital part of the UK steel industry as a whole.
0:25:30 > 0:25:36The government continues to engage with steel companies and
0:25:36 > 0:25:38trade unions to in-store a sustainable industry for the UK for
0:25:38 > 0:25:46a future.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Liberty House is taking more than 70% of its new workforce from
0:25:50 > 0:25:53among former Tata steel employees.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It is to be congratulated for that which is good news for
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Motherwell.
0:26:00 > 0:26:10Would my honourable friend congratulate the
0:26:12 > 0:26:14company for its apprenticeship programme which is an endorsement of
0:26:14 > 0:26:16the industrial future of the country?
0:26:16 > 0:26:17My honourable friend is right to
0:26:17 > 0:26:20focus on the company under its new owners, liberty group,
0:26:20 > 0:26:21with the support of the government.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23This illustrates in supporting British
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Steel, we have taken clear action to help the industry, including
0:26:26 > 0:26:28flexibility over EU emissions regulations and many other areas.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I share his delight in the work that is when done with the
0:26:31 > 0:26:34apprenticeships as well.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38During recess I attended the reopening of
0:26:38 > 0:26:41the works in Motherwell.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Will the Minister speak to the Scottish
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Government on how you can save jobs in steel by putting together a
0:26:49 > 0:26:53package that really works?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57I am grateful to the honourable lady.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59The government stands ready to work with
0:26:59 > 0:27:01the Scottish Government to work on any area that can protect
0:27:01 > 0:27:02Scottish jobs and Scottish steel.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06I am afraid that is all we have got time for.
0:27:06 > 0:27:12The next Scottish Questions will be on Wednesday the 23rd of November,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15which is also the day of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18So it will be a busy day here at Westminster.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Do join us then if you can.
0:27:22 > 0:27:28From all of us here at Westminster, goodbye.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54DRUM INTRO
0:27:55 > 0:27:56One, two, three, four!
0:28:00 > 0:28:01# Ah! #