0:00:14 > 0:00:15Hello and a very warm welcome
0:00:15 > 0:00:19to a sunny but, let me tell you, a chilly Westminster
0:00:19 > 0:00:23for January's Scottish Questions, the first one of the New Year,
0:00:23 > 0:00:27and, like last year, it looks as though 2017
0:00:27 > 0:00:29is going to be dominated by Brexit
0:00:29 > 0:00:32and the knock-on constitutional implications for Scotland,
0:00:32 > 0:00:37including the possibility of a second independence referendum.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39More on that later,
0:00:39 > 0:00:44but first of all, this is how Scottish Questions got underway.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Order. Order.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland. Mr Roberts Courts.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Thank you, Mr Speaker. Number one, please.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57The Secretary of State for Scotland, Secretary David Mundell.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Mr Speaker, as this is the Scottish Questions
0:00:59 > 0:01:04that immediately precede Burns Night next Wednesday, 25 January,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08can I wish all those organising Burns Suppers or other events
0:01:08 > 0:01:10in Scotland, across the UK,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13including here in this House of Commons,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15and around the world, the very best?
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Robert Burns' legacy is as relevant today as ever.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Mr Speaker, the UK government is committed
0:01:21 > 0:01:25to a safe and secure transfer of the remaining welfare powers.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29The majority of welfare powers commenced in 2016
0:01:29 > 0:01:31and the transfer of the remaining powers
0:01:31 > 0:01:33will be overseen by
0:01:33 > 0:01:35the joint ministerial working group on welfare,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37which will meet again next month.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- Robert Courts. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42The Scotland Act gives the Scottish Government
0:01:42 > 0:01:44powers over benefits in Scotland.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Does the Secretary of State agree
0:01:47 > 0:01:50that it is...the Scottish Government must now set out the detail
0:01:50 > 0:01:53of how they plan to use these powers
0:01:53 > 0:01:55to shape Scotland's welfare system?
0:01:55 > 0:01:58CHATTER AND CHEERS
0:01:58 > 0:02:03Mr Speaker, my honourable friend is absolutely right.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05The power for the Scottish Parliament
0:02:05 > 0:02:09to create new benefits in devolved areas came into force in Autumn,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and they now have the power to shape that welfare system as they choose.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Some modest measures have already been announced,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21but it is time that we hear more about the proposals
0:02:21 > 0:02:23for a new welfare system.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27A consultation has been held, and I look forward
0:02:27 > 0:02:30to hearing the Scottish Government's response to that.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Margaret Ferrier. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36The fact that the UK Government
0:02:36 > 0:02:39plan to close half of the Glasgow Jobcentres
0:02:39 > 0:02:42without even knowing the number of affected people
0:02:42 > 0:02:44is a dereliction of duty.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Will the Secretary of State commit to having a word
0:02:47 > 0:02:51with his Cabinet colleagues in getting these plans dropped?
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Mr Speaker, I do understand the concerns that have been raised
0:02:57 > 0:03:03in relation to Jobcentre closures in Glasgow,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05and it is the Government's determination
0:03:05 > 0:03:09and I have spoken directly with my colleague, the Secretary of State,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11to ensure that there will be no change
0:03:11 > 0:03:15to the level of service offered to the people of Glasgow.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21As the honourable lady and other members in Glasgow will know,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23there's a public consultation
0:03:23 > 0:03:26for people who have to travel more than three miles,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28or more than 20 minutes in time.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31That's open until 31 January.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34I encourage all those affected,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and all honourable members with constituents affected,
0:03:37 > 0:03:38to take part in that consultation.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Whately.- Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44The transfer of significant powers over welfare decisions
0:03:44 > 0:03:46clearly raises complicated issues,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49as we have seen over the last few months.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Could my right honourable friend update the House on the recent work
0:03:52 > 0:03:55of the Joint Ministerial Working Group On Welfare,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and give his assessment of progress?
0:03:58 > 0:04:03Mr Speaker, the Joint Ministerial Group On Welfare
0:04:03 > 0:04:08has played a very important part
0:04:08 > 0:04:15in establishing the links between the DWP and the Scottish Government.
0:04:15 > 0:04:21I've been in regular recent contact with Angela Constance,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24the minister in the Scottish Government,
0:04:24 > 0:04:29in relation to the Scottish Government's latest proposals
0:04:29 > 0:04:31in relation to Universal Credit.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Inevitably, because of the complexity of this area,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37as the transfer takes place,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40new issues arise which need to be dealt with
0:04:40 > 0:04:42and the Joint Ministerial Working Group
0:04:42 > 0:04:44is the ideal place to do that.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Mr David Anderson.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47Thank you very much, Mr Speaker...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51'And David Anderson is of course the Shadow Scottish Secretary.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:53We send our condolences to the family of Canon Kenyon Wright,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56who sadly passed away last week.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57He was a principled man
0:04:57 > 0:05:00whose legacy should serve as a reminder to all of us
0:05:00 > 0:05:04that, when we work together, it is possible to deliver the impossible.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Mr Speaker, this Tory Government is currently moving disabled people
0:05:07 > 0:05:11from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14It's estimated the people of Scotland will lose out
0:05:14 > 0:05:17on £190 million a year as a result.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19If that wasn't bad enough, Mr Speaker,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23a year ago, the Government did this,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25but the Government withdrew the timetable
0:05:25 > 0:05:26and haven't issued a new one.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So, can the Secretary of State please inform the House,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and indeed the people of Scotland,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34when can they expect to lose out on this £190 million a year?
0:05:36 > 0:05:41Mr Speaker, firstly, can I welcome the honourable gentleman back?
0:05:41 > 0:05:45He was missed at our last Scottish Questions,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48although his honourable friend entertained the House.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50At least I think I can say that!
0:05:52 > 0:05:56In relation to Canon Kenyon Wright, I knew Canon Wright
0:05:56 > 0:05:58and he was indeed a very principled man
0:05:58 > 0:06:01with very, very strong personal conviction,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03and obviously played a very important part
0:06:03 > 0:06:05in the constitutional convention
0:06:05 > 0:06:09which led to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And as we have seen in the media, he is widely, widely mourned.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15In relation to disability benefits,
0:06:15 > 0:06:16the honourable gentleman will know
0:06:16 > 0:06:20that these are to be fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23The funding of those benefits were put...
0:06:23 > 0:06:27was dealt with in the negotiations for the fiscal framework.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30It's now for the Scottish Government to come forward
0:06:30 > 0:06:34with their proposals for disability benefits in Scotland.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Mike Freer.- Thanks, Mr Speaker.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Does my right honourable friend agree with me
0:06:38 > 0:06:40that we need to hear less from the Scottish Government
0:06:40 > 0:06:41about the powers they want
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and more about how they're going to use the powers we've given them?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Hear, hear, hear.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Mr Speaker, my honourable friend makes a very relevant point.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53The honourable gentleman opposite
0:06:53 > 0:06:56referred to Personal Independence Payments.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I know that the Scottish Government
0:06:58 > 0:07:01are opposed to Personal Independence Payments,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03but what I have no idea about
0:07:03 > 0:07:08is what they intend to replace Personal Independence Payments with
0:07:08 > 0:07:11and what timetable they intend to do that.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Mr Angus Robertson. - CHEERING
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Thank you, Mr Speaker. May I begin by joining colleagues
0:07:17 > 0:07:18in paying tribute to Canon Kenyon Wright,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21somebody not only who played a significant role
0:07:21 > 0:07:23in helping to deliver devolution to Scotland,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25but of course, in 2014,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28supported a yes vote for Scottish independence.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Sensible man.- Mr Speaker, the UK Government is planning
0:07:32 > 0:07:34to close half of the Jobcentres in Glasgow
0:07:34 > 0:07:37without even knowing the number of people
0:07:37 > 0:07:40that will be affected by such a radical change.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Was the Secretary of State consulted in advance of the closures,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and when did he show enough interest
0:07:46 > 0:07:49to find out which specific locations would face closure?
0:07:50 > 0:07:56Mr Speaker, I have taken a very close interest in this issue
0:07:56 > 0:07:58and I have worked closely
0:07:58 > 0:08:01with both my colleagues in the Department of Work and Pensions
0:08:01 > 0:08:06and the Scottish Government in that regard.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09The government and myself have never suggested
0:08:09 > 0:08:13that the procedures followed in relation to this process
0:08:13 > 0:08:16had been perfect, but what we have...
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- SHOUTING - What we have put forward
0:08:20 > 0:08:22is a public consultation
0:08:22 > 0:08:27in relation to those people affected
0:08:27 > 0:08:30who have to travel more than three miles or 20 minutes,
0:08:30 > 0:08:35and I encourage everyone involved to take part in that consultation.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Mr Angus Robertson.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Mr Speaker, the devolution of powers hangs very much together
0:08:40 > 0:08:44with the hard Brexit plans of this current government.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47The Secretary of State has said that his role is, and I quote,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50"to ensure that Scotland gets the best possible deal
0:08:50 > 0:08:55"and that deal clearly involves being part of the single market."
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Does he still believes this,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01or has he changed his mind after being told what he should say
0:09:01 > 0:09:05by his Tory bosses in London? CHEERING
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11I don't recognise the Prime Minister's speech yesterday as
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- a hard Brexit. - INCREDULOUS SHOUTING
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I don't think, Mr Speaker...
0:09:18 > 0:09:25Mr Speaker, that the 500,000 SNP voters who voted for Brexit will
0:09:25 > 0:09:32take kindly to being referred to as right-wing Tory Brexiteers.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36They were independently-minded people in Scotland who voted
0:09:36 > 0:09:40for what they thought was the right thing for Scotland.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45As is absolutely clear, the Prime Minister said yesterday,
0:09:45 > 0:09:50we want to have access to the single market and that's what...
0:09:50 > 0:09:56That is what the quote that he just read out from me made clear.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Membership of the single market, on the other hand,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02is a quite different thing.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- As Mike Russell and privately the Scottish Government accept.- Order.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10I say gently to colleagues - order! - progress is far too slow,
0:10:10 > 0:10:14we need to hasten the pace. Some reduction in the decibel level,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16not least from the Chair
0:10:16 > 0:10:19of the International Trade Select Committee would be heartily
0:10:19 > 0:10:21welcomed across the House. Mr Calum Kerr.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24This is a question about Scottish agriculture.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Mr Speaker, I regularly meet with Cabinet colleagues to discuss
0:10:28 > 0:10:30a wide range of matters.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I recently met with the Secretary of State for the Environment,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Food and Rural Affairs to discuss a number of issues relating to
0:10:37 > 0:10:40the Scottish agricultural sector and will continue to do so.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45Last year, the Farming Minister told us there would be
0:10:45 > 0:10:49an £18 billion Brexit dividend and
0:10:49 > 0:10:53he said that farmers would continue to get, and I quote,
0:10:53 > 0:10:57"as much or perhaps even more support after Brexit."
0:10:57 > 0:11:01So does the Secretary of State agree with me that it would be
0:11:01 > 0:11:07unacceptable if funding to Scottish agriculture was cut after 2020?
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Hear, hear!
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Mr Speaker, there is no suggestion that funding to Scottish
0:11:12 > 0:11:16agriculture is going to be cut.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20What there is is the opportunity to move forward
0:11:20 > 0:11:24from the constraints of the Common Agricultural Policy, which have
0:11:24 > 0:11:29been often complained about by farmers throughout Scotland.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33I believe that we need to seize this opportunity to reshape the
0:11:33 > 0:11:37support that we have for farming, to make it more effective,
0:11:37 > 0:11:42but to continue to sustain those areas of Scottish farming
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- that need sustaining. - Sir Gerald Howarth.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50My right honourable friend is aware that my family are extensive
0:11:50 > 0:11:52farmers in the Scottish Borders.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Would he not agree with me that Brexit presents the
0:11:56 > 0:11:59United Kingdom with a magnificent opportunity to fashion an
0:11:59 > 0:12:03agricultural policy not required by French farmers,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05but required by British farmers?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08And will he assure the House that hill farmers in Scotland and
0:12:08 > 0:12:11elsewhere in the United Kingdom will be given proper consideration?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Sir Gerald Howarth is the Conservative MP for Aldershot
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- in Hampshire.- I can absolutely give that undertaking
0:12:16 > 0:12:19and I hope that we can move forward.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Actually working in conjunction with the Scottish government to
0:12:22 > 0:12:28shape a new basis of support for Scottish agriculture,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32particularly for those who farm in less favoured areas.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36There are multiple and have been multiple complaints about the
0:12:36 > 0:12:41operation of the Common Agricultural Policy and its need to take
0:12:41 > 0:12:44into account farming practices across the Continent.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49We now have the opportunity to have our own support mechanism and
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- we need to work to shape it. - Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Mr Speaker, can the Secretary of State for Scotland confirm
0:12:54 > 0:12:57what he said to the Sunday Times in November that the
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Scottish Parliament will retain full responsibility over
0:13:00 > 0:13:03agriculture and fisheries following Brexit?
0:13:03 > 0:13:04And to quote him,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07that "no powers will be re-reserved to Westminster."
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Yes or no?- Hear, hear!
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Yes.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Mr David Anderson. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22Almost two-thirds of the UK's agricultural exports are to the EU.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24After what we heard from the Prime Minister yesterday,
0:13:24 > 0:13:28there is an increasing possibility we could revert to WTO trade
0:13:28 > 0:13:31rules on exit from the EU.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Does he agree with the NFU Scotland who say the potential
0:13:34 > 0:13:39for 20% tariffs as a result of WTO trade rules will be increasingly
0:13:39 > 0:13:43damaging for the profitability of Scottish agriculture?
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Mr Speaker, what the Prime Minister made clear yesterday is that
0:13:49 > 0:13:55her objective is to achieve the best possible access to the
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Single Market, with the minimum of barriers and tariffs.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01That will be to the benefit of Scottish agriculture.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05Scottish farmers see the opportunity that leaving the EU...
0:14:05 > 0:14:10that leaving the EU provides to them and I am sure they will seize
0:14:10 > 0:14:13them and I am sure we will be able to provide the environment in
0:14:13 > 0:14:16which they will succeed.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20This is a question about tax powers going to Holyrood.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24The Scottish Government will take on its first major new tax power
0:14:24 > 0:14:27from the Scotland Act 2016 in April of this year,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30enabling it to set rates and thresholds of income tax.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34The Chief Secretary to the Treasury attended a joint exchequer committee
0:14:34 > 0:14:37with the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Finance
0:14:37 > 0:14:40in November. They discussed ongoing work....
0:14:40 > 0:14:41I'm grateful for all this.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44We are deeply grateful but I think...
0:14:44 > 0:14:49The question is being answered by the Treasury Minister Simon Kirby.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51My apologies, Mr Speaker.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52With your permission,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- I would like to group this question with number four.- Very good indeed.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57Mr Nigel Evans.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Mr Speaker, as the Prime Minister wants to see income tax rates
0:15:01 > 0:15:04as low as possible on hard-working British people,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08should Nicola Sturgeon be sufficiently brave or bonkers
0:15:08 > 0:15:11to increase the rate of taxation on hard-working Scottish people,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13what economic impact would that have on Scotland?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ANGUS ROBERTSON:- I think you'll find taxes are lower.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Can I thank my honourable friend for his important question?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22In taking over income tax powers,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26the Scottish Government now need to account for how they use them,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30particularly if they plan to make Scotland the highest taxed part
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- of the UK.- Mark Menzies. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Does my right honourable friend agree with
0:15:37 > 0:15:41me that the SNP's plans to tax middle income families more
0:15:41 > 0:15:44in Scotland for doing the same job as families in England would
0:15:44 > 0:15:48bode very badly for the Scottish economy?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50INCREDULOUS SHOUTING
0:15:50 > 0:15:53The UK government is doing everything it can to support
0:15:53 > 0:15:55our economy and boost jobs and growth.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00Where the Scottish Government now make choices that have a different
0:16:00 > 0:16:02impact, they will need to explain it to the people of Scotland.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- Neil Gray.- We often hear, and we've heard it again, erroneous claims
0:16:07 > 0:16:10that somehow Scotland is the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom
0:16:10 > 0:16:12when in actual fact the average cost of a band D
0:16:12 > 0:16:16council tax property in Scotland is lower than that of England.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Will the government minister now welcome the
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Scottish Government's approach to council tax policy in Scotland?
0:16:23 > 0:16:24Hear, hear!
0:16:24 > 0:16:28What I will say is that the SNP should focus on making
0:16:28 > 0:16:34a success of its few powers for the benefit of the Scottish people.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38You are a very curious denizen of the House, Mr Docherty-Hughes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41I had you down as a cerebral and academic type.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46You are becoming increasingly hysterical. Very curious behaviour.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Mr Michael Gove. - Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54The SNP want to levy the highest level of income tax anywhere
0:16:54 > 0:16:56in the United Kingdom.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00They already receive more in per capita funding than
0:17:00 > 0:17:05England and yet Scotland's schools are conspicuously worse than
0:17:05 > 0:17:07those in the rest of the United Kingdom.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Does the Minister put this down to the incompetence of the
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Scottish Government... UPROAR
0:17:14 > 0:17:19..or their posturing over proper administration?
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Mr Speaker, I may not like their plans to make Scotland
0:17:27 > 0:17:31a higher taxed nation but that is up to them.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34But what they will have to do is to explain to the people of
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Scotland why they're having to pay more tax than their friends and
0:17:38 > 0:17:44- families south of the border with the same jobs.- David Anderson.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51In a week where the chairman of the British Medical Association
0:17:51 > 0:17:54in Scotland has warned that the NHS is in Scotland - and I quote -
0:17:54 > 0:17:56"at breaking point",
0:17:56 > 0:17:58is the minister as surprised as I am
0:17:58 > 0:18:02that the so-called "progressive" SNP Government
0:18:02 > 0:18:04in Holyrood consistently refuse
0:18:04 > 0:18:08to use the powers afforded to them to protect the NHS in Scotland?
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Scotland's new devolution settlement delivers one of the most
0:18:14 > 0:18:19powerful and accountable devolved parliaments in the world,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21giving them unprecedented power
0:18:21 > 0:18:23to shape the future economy of Scotland.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Stuart C McDonald.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- Mr Speaker...- And this is also an economy-related question.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Mr Speaker, migrants from outside the UK and within the UK
0:18:33 > 0:18:35make a significant contribution to Scotland,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39to its economy of course, but also to its society and wellbeing.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42The government will always welcome the brightest and the best
0:18:42 > 0:18:44who have come here to work.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46..C McDonald.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Mr Speaker, we know around 180,000 EU nationals make
0:18:48 > 0:18:51a hugely valuable contribution to the Scottish economy,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55and we also know that countries like Canada and Australia
0:18:55 > 0:18:57successfully apply different immigration rules
0:18:57 > 0:18:59to different parts of their countries.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00So, going beyond warm words,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04will the Secretary of State listen carefully to proposals
0:19:04 > 0:19:07for a different arrangement for Scotland, allowing EU citizens
0:19:07 > 0:19:10freedom to continue to come and live and work there, benefitting us all?
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- SOME:- Hear-hear.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Mr Speaker, I'll always look at evidence-based proposals
0:19:16 > 0:19:23that come forward, and that's our commitment, for example, in relation
0:19:23 > 0:19:27to the Scottish Government's paper produced just before Christmas.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31But it was quite clear within the settlement agreed
0:19:31 > 0:19:34in the Smith Commission that immigration
0:19:34 > 0:19:36would remain a reserved power.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..Blackman.- Thank you, My Speaker.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Would my right honourable friend not agree with me
0:19:41 > 0:19:45that one of the problems that Scotland will face
0:19:45 > 0:19:48with the SNP government is the flight of individuals fleeing
0:19:48 > 0:19:50the high taxes and therefore...
0:19:50 > 0:19:51JEERS AND LAUGHTER
0:19:51 > 0:19:53..having to replace with further immigrants,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56as well as the businesses that will fly down to London
0:19:56 > 0:19:57rather than being in Scotland?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Bob Blackman is the Conservative MP for Harrow East.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Mr Speaker, what I do find surprising is that
0:20:03 > 0:20:08the Scottish Government always fail to acknowledge that they have
0:20:08 > 0:20:11very, very significant powers to attract people to come to Scotland.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14At the moment, about 4% of migrants
0:20:14 > 0:20:17who come to the United Kingdom come to Scotland.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Clearly, there is more that needs to be done to encourage people
0:20:21 > 0:20:23to come to Scotland,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25and the Scottish Government need to address that.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Making Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK is not,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31in my view, the way to do it.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Alistair Carmichael.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Mr Speaker, can I associate myself and my party with the expressions
0:20:38 > 0:20:43of condolence with regards to the late Canon Kenyon Wright.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47A truly lovely man for whom it was once my privilege to act
0:20:47 > 0:20:49as election agent, albeit unsuccessfully.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Will the Secretary of State explain to the Home Secretary
0:20:53 > 0:20:58the importance of non-EU nationals to making up the crews
0:20:58 > 0:21:01for many fishing boats, especially in the whitefish sector,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04operating out of Scottish ports?
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Mr Speaker, I certainly will take that issue forward
0:21:09 > 0:21:12for the right honourable gentleman, I'm very, very aware
0:21:12 > 0:21:15of the concerns that have been raised and I would be
0:21:15 > 0:21:19more than happy to meet directly with him to discuss it further.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Question six, Mr Speaker.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26And this is a question about city deals in Scotland.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28The UK Government has spearheaded these deals and they will be
0:21:28 > 0:21:31transformative for the cities of Scotland.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35The city regions are the engines of economic growth, so they will
0:21:35 > 0:21:37drive forward Scotland's economy,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39which means more jobs and a secure future.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42That's why I'm so pleased the government has now committed
0:21:42 > 0:21:46to a city deal for every one of Scotland's seven city regions.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- Iain Stewart.- Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50In the autumn statement,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53the Chancellor gave welcome support to city deals.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Can the Secretary of State assure me that he will be supporting
0:21:57 > 0:22:01the Borderlands Initiative as part of this programme?
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Mr Speaker, the Borderlands Initiative is
0:22:06 > 0:22:10a very innovative proposal which seeks to bring together
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Dumfries and Galloway Council,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Scottish Borders Council, Carlisle City Council
0:22:16 > 0:22:19and other councils in the north of England,
0:22:19 > 0:22:24recognising the significant economic area that crosses the border.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29I'm delighted to give my support to that proposal.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Alan Brown.- Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34As well as city deals, the Secretary of State will be aware
0:22:34 > 0:22:37there's the Ayrshire Growth Deal that's been submitted
0:22:37 > 0:22:39and backed by the Scottish Government.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Yesterday at Treasury Questions, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury
0:22:43 > 0:22:46wrongly said it's for the Scottish Government to advance that deal.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49What discussions has he had with his Treasury colleagues about
0:22:49 > 0:22:51supporting the Ayrshire Growth Deal?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- SOME:- Hear-hear.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Mr Speaker, can I firstly...
0:22:56 > 0:22:58JEERING
0:22:58 > 0:23:00..welcome...
0:23:00 > 0:23:01THUMPING ON BENCHES
0:23:01 > 0:23:04..the fact that...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Welcome the fact that his colleague from North Ayrshire
0:23:07 > 0:23:11has secured an adjournment debate tomorrow in this house
0:23:11 > 0:23:15which will specifically focus on the Ayrshire Regional Growth Deal.
0:23:15 > 0:23:21I've obviously met with the councils and I want to see that deal
0:23:21 > 0:23:24receive support from the UK Government
0:23:24 > 0:23:28in the way that is most appropriate to make it happen.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31At this Scottish Office Questions, I'm pleased to inform the house
0:23:31 > 0:23:34that I've just been notified Andy Murray
0:23:34 > 0:23:36has won his second round match in Melbourne.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- CHEERING - David TC Davies.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Mr Speaker...
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Mr Speaker, I noted in congratulating Andy Murray
0:23:45 > 0:23:48that you didn't display your usual exuberance
0:23:48 > 0:23:51which you've demonstrated at the Davis Cup matches
0:23:51 > 0:23:54in support of him and the rest of the British team.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Mr Speaker, the UK Government has taken
0:23:57 > 0:24:00a number of measures to support Scotland's economy,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04including committing to city deals for each of Scotland's cities,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08as I've just said, and providing an additional £800 million
0:24:08 > 0:24:11for the Scottish Government's capital budget through to 2021.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15Leaving the EU opens up real opportunities for Scotland,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19we must always remember that the UK market is worth
0:24:19 > 0:24:22over four times as much to Scotland as the EU single market.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24David TC Davies.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Mr Speaker, Adam Smith gave us the theory
0:24:26 > 0:24:28of modern capitalist economics,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31William Gladstone put them into practice,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33wouldn't these two fine Scotsmen be delighted with
0:24:33 > 0:24:35the opportunity that Brexit offers to ditch
0:24:35 > 0:24:37the socialist protectionism
0:24:37 > 0:24:40of the Scottish Government and implement the free trade
0:24:40 > 0:24:44and free markets that made it such a powerhouse in the 19th century?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46SUPPORTIVE MURMURS
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Mr Speaker, my honourable friend, as ever,
0:24:50 > 0:24:55makes a robust case for the benefits of leaving the European Union,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59but perhaps to his list of posthumously highlighted figures
0:24:59 > 0:25:03from Scottish history I could add David Hume,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07whose essay "Of the Balance of Trade" predates
0:25:07 > 0:25:09The Wealth of Nations and provides
0:25:09 > 0:25:11the effective rebuttal to the so-called "jealous fear"
0:25:11 > 0:25:15of free trade in merchants at the time.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Kirsten Oswald.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21A hard Brexit outside the single market threatens to cost
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Scotland 80,000 jobs over a decade and cost people
0:25:24 > 0:25:26an average of £2,000 in wages.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Can the Secretary of State tell us what action
0:25:29 > 0:25:32he will personally take to keep Scotland in the single market
0:25:32 > 0:25:34even if the rest of the UK leaves?
0:25:37 > 0:25:42Mr Speaker, it's absolutely clear that Scotland cannot be
0:25:42 > 0:25:46a member of the single market if it is not a member of the EU,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50and the United Kingdom will not be a member of the EU.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53The Scottish Government accept that proposition.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58What is important is access to the single market, and as
0:25:58 > 0:26:02my right honourable friend the Prime Minister set out yesterday,
0:26:02 > 0:26:06we aim to achieve the best possible access to that market.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07David Amess.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Has my right honourable friend considered the effect
0:26:11 > 0:26:12on the Scottish economy
0:26:12 > 0:26:15if a further independence referendum is held?
0:26:15 > 0:26:18David Amess is the Conservative MP for Southend in Essex.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23Mr Speaker, my right honourable friend may be aware that today,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25in relation to labour market statistics,
0:26:25 > 0:26:30unemployment is up in Scotland, employment is down
0:26:30 > 0:26:31and economic activity is down, too,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35and I am in no doubt that the uncertainty caused by
0:26:35 > 0:26:39the constant reference to an independence referendum
0:26:39 > 0:26:41is having an impact on the Scottish economy.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Angus Brendan MacNeil.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48An important part of the Scottish economy is the rural economy,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50particularly crofting.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Yesterday I asked the Defra Secretary of State,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54after careful thinking and planning,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57what exactly would be happening to crofting after 2020.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The Secretary of State said there'd be no cuts to funding,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02he didn't think. Is this the case, we will see
0:27:02 > 0:27:06no cuts at all to agricultural support in Scotland post-2020?
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Will he confirm what he alluded to earlier?
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Mr Speaker, the honourable gentleman has already heard me
0:27:12 > 0:27:15answer that question and also set out that leaving
0:27:15 > 0:27:21the Common Agricultural Policy is an opportunity.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24The Common Agricultural Policy has not suited Scotland,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28particularly those farming in less favoured areas.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29We now have an opportunity
0:27:29 > 0:27:32to do something different and we should seize it.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Well, I'm afraid that's all we've got time for.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39We will be back with the next Scottish Questions
0:27:39 > 0:27:42on Wednesday the 1st of March, so do join us then if you can.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46But for now, from all of us here at Westminster, goodbye.