20/06/2012 Scottish Questions

Hello and welcome to a very summery Westminster for the June edition of

Scottish Questions. As you would expect on the day the latest

unemployment figures are released, some questions on the state of the

economy. And constitutional issues came to the fore. That is how

proceedings began with a question on Scotland's place within the

United Kingdom. Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

As the Prime Minister has made clear we believe Scotland is

stronger in the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom is stronger with

Scotland in it. Leading up to the referendum the Government will

produce evidence and analysis to assess the benefits that Scotland

gains from being part of the United Kingdom and the contribution that

Scotland makes to our United Kingdom. I thank the Secretary of

State for that answer. Would he agree with me that the defence of

Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland would be greatly

enhanced rather than have a separate Scotland and defence

matters to this country, the whole of this country, greatly. Well he

makes an important point and ore the next 18 months, civil servants

will be preparing analysis to show the basis of the arguments that we

need to be involved in as Scotland confronts this debate. Protecting

our citizens is one of the most important parts of our role in gft.

We want to lack at our role in the world. -- role in government.

Secretary of State and his Tory and Labour allies in the anti-

independence coalition all say... All say... Tell it like it is.

Secretary of State, his Tory and Labour allies in the anti-

independence coalition say they all believe that the constitutional

status quo is not sustainable. So with only days to go until the

launch of the no campaign, could he outline to the House what joint

proposal they have for further devolution and what powers will be

devolved and when? I do hope he has not got himself into trouble for

mentioning the independence word. But he is a brave gie, perhaps he

thought it was a risk worth take. - - guy. It is rich of him to ask

questions of us having delivered the biggest transfer of financial

powers from London to Scotland since the act of union. When every

time we ask him what independence mean, his proposals unravel.

last time looked this was Scottish questions, for a second time, can I

ask him given that he and his allies say that the constitutional

status quo is not sustainable, what specific joint propose and do they

have for the further devolution of powers? He didn't answer it the

first time. Can he please answer it now I thought that the the

honourable gentleman's party had welcomed the fact that the Scotland

Act has set in place the biggest transfer of financial power, the

transfer of stamp duty, land tax, north of the border. Can I say to

him that the debate that he refers to that we need to get on with is

the one about independence. That is whrooty UK government is committed

to ensure we have the evidence, working with experts and others to

ensure we're equipped for this debate across the country. Does he

consider that Scotland being part of the United Kingdom is an

important benefit in any international trade dispute? I

particularly have in mind some year ago the efforts of United States to

restrict the import of the export of his own constituency of finest

quality cashmere goods in a dispute about bananas. Was the fact that

Scotland was part of United Kingdom an important factor in ensuring a

resolution of that issue? honourable gentleman is right. It

was quit cal to -- critical to us in the borders and the row prove

deucers of goods in Scotland that we were part of the United Kingdom

and had great clout within the EU and could negotiate within the

World Trade Organisation to get the right outcome. Our position in the

world, the proTex of our citizens and the future of our economy,

these are three key strands we will look at to make sure we are well

informed in 24 is in. -- in the debate. We have heard the campaign,

separatists for devolution. They don't like it. The word separation.

They don't like the word independence. And in fact they want

to leave Britain in order to make us more British. What a ludicrous

set of proposals. I think there afs question mark somewhere. -- there

was a question mark somewhere. I agree with the honourable gentleman.

What representations has he had on whether an independent Scotland

would wish to join the euro? None, but that is a matter for the SNP

and the Scottish government. Thank you Mr Speaker. The Secretary of

state maybe aware that I received answers to Parliamentary questions

yesterday that indicates that although the Scottish Government

say a separate Scotland will use sterling and the Bank of England

and UK financial institutions, they have not yet undertaken any work

behind the scenes in order to explore these options. No

correspondence sent, no questions asked, no discussions taking place.

Perhaps he agrees with me that the First Minister should spend less

time in Hollywood and more time in Holyrood. Given that the Scottish,

it was a good try, given the Scottish Government have made these

statement about the economy, can I ask what steps he is taking in

relation to the Scottish economy to clear up confusion of ambiguity and

claims? I agree with the honourable lady that it is striking that the

Scottish National Party and the Scottish Government, as they set

out what has been their ambition for an independent Scotland are

short on detail and aren't curious to ask about it. I start from the

point that Scotland is stronger within the United Kingdom and the

United Kingdom is stronger for having Scotland part of it and the

economy is a key part of that argument. Thank you. I think we're

clear in Scotland that in fact what we have got is we don't have

argument, we have assertion, we have facts rather than fantasy 5

even the arguments from the Scottish Government cannot pass the

most basic test of credible evidence. Can I ask the Secretary

of State and the whole UK Government that they can work with

others to ensure that we do have credible evidence, argument, that

passes the test of objective and independent scrutiny, to ensure

Scottish people get the arguments they deserve. I agree with the

honourable lady that it is important that this debate is well

informed by detailed evidence and strong analysis. That is why we're

getting civil servants to work through issues to engage with

academics, think-tanks and other experts outside Government to

ensure we have all the evidence to inform that debate. I'm confident

that as we do that we will show beyond doubt that Scotland's place

is stronger as part of the UK. Question No two. A question about

modern apprentices. I'm in contact with the Scottish Government and

later this week the British/Irish council will discuss programmes to

support youth employment in those administrations. Last week in the

Scottish Parliament, the Labour spoke person uncovered figures that

showed that the 25,000 modern apprenticeships the Scottish

Government is claiming to sets up, over 10,000 were people who were

already in work. And would the minister agree with me that the

Scottish Government should be spending public money creating

additional jobs, not just rebadging jobs. I share the honourable lady's

concerns about the way in which the Scottish Government seeds to

present facts. But the facts are clear in relation to their

responsibilities on employment. They have had 22 million pounds

additional monies in relation to youth contract consequentials. I

would like to see them focus on how they spend that, rather than their

obsession with the constitution. would like to see greater brevity.

Thank you does the minister, is the minister aware that almost every

economic analysis shows beyond doubt that employment prospects in

Scotland would be significantly reduced if Scotland became a

country separate from the United Kingdom? I agree with the

honourable lady, who I am sure will welcome with me the fact that

employment in Scotland has increased by 18,000 in the last

period. I am sure the minister has witnessed the ridiculous campaign

by the Labour Party against what is one of most successful modern

apprenticeship schemes in Scotland and their complaint is based on

rules that they introduced and set themselves. Should the minister

congratulate the Scottish Government for almost doubling the

number of modern apprenticeships and also the extra �72 million of

investment that we saw? Well I do notice that he didn't mention the

word independence. So he is obviously on message. What I have

to say in relation to employment and youth unemployment in Scotland

is the UK and the Scottish Government should work on these

issues. A question about what employment in Scotland. I will

answer questions three and five together. This Government is

committed to creating the right environment for economic growth to

provide the basis for the creation of jobs. It will be no surprise

that unemployment in slash is at crisis levels. It is still

unacceptable and disgraceful numbers of youth unemployed. If it

were not more my council in Inverclyde. Could we just have a

question? Can I press on the Government to make unemployment

figures, reduction of the figures, a priority in Scotland and will he

join... We're grateful, but we must move on. Listen, I agree with the

honourable gentleman, we must do everything question to reduce

unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, which began to rise

under the last Labour Government. We have through our measures and

the work we have been doing with the Scottish Government, bearing

down on this. I'm happy to discuss that further. As the Secretary --

is the Secretary of state aware that the Scottish chambers of

commerce have called for an expansion of investment in

infrastructure to help Scottish businesses? What will he do to make

sure this happens? Can I say she needs to recognise the serious

steps that we're tairking to get the economy back on a secure path

to growth after what we inherited from her Government and also

bearing in minds the crisis we see in other parts of Europe. By

cutting corporation tax and keeping interest rates and with specific

measures for Scotland, including enterprise areas, we are taking

action to help the Scottish economy. Does the minister agree that by

cutting corporation tax, by reducing regulation and having the

largest work programme the country has seen, we're succeeding in

Scotland w14 thousand less unemployment this month. The third

month in a row. I think we need to recognise things are going to

continue to be challenging for people in Scotland and the United

Kingdom. But he is right, the measures we are taking to get the

economy on the right track are right and are the way in which we

will create secure jobs. Does the Secretary of State recognise stat

oil's decision to invest in the North Sea is a recognition that the

new positive approach taken by the Treasury is bearing fruit? He is

right that in the energy sector we have had significant announcements

from stat oil and BP and others on the future of Scotland's energy

needs in oil and gas and elsewhere. They recognise that is an important

part of what this government is committed to and that Scotland is

better as being part of United Kingdom. I am glad he welcomed the

14,000 fall in unemployment. He will want to twbg news on foreign

direct - o' welcome the news 07 foreign investment on jobs. But we

should have done ward pressure on costs, particularly on fuel prices,

which are one of the most significant cost pressures that

businesses face. Will he take this opportunity today to speak to his

colleagues in the Treasury to cancel the fuel duty rise planned

for August? I would point out that thanks to the action this

Government has take non-vo deucing the fuel duty stabiliser and

abandoning the escalater, we are doing a lot to help motorists and

will continue to do that. The clue is in the heading. Questions to the

Secretary of State. Listening to the Secretary of State reminds us

how isolated he is in Scotland in believing the answer to this crisis

of weak economic demand is hash harsher austerity. Does he accept

nearly twice as many people as on black Wednesday are being forced to

work part-time, because there are not enough full-time jobs in our

economy? And three hundred and tent thousand people in Scotland are

struggling below the poverty line, despite being in work and real

wages have fallen. Isn't this the real explanation of why we are

facing a double dip rerecession He cannot forget the legacy of his

government and the mess we inherited or be blinkered about the

challenges in Europe and around the world. We are ensuring we create

the right financial and economic conditions to ensure we get

Scotland's and the UK's economy back on the foot. This is a

question about agricultural. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I regularly meet

with representatives of the Scottish agricultural industry,

including the farmers union and individual producers much I look

forward to engagement tomorrow when I attend the Royal Highland Show.

Does the minister agree that those in the Scottish agricultural centre

are better off with Scotland remaininged in the UK? I absolutely

agree. An independent Scotland would shrink our home market of 60

million consumers to five million over night. Farmers will be reliant

of exporting their produce. Perhaps the Minister could try answering a

question about the responsibility of the UK government. Is he aware

of the concern about Scottish agricultural and horticulture of

the seasonal agricultural workers scheme, has he made the

representations to to the Home Office for continuation of the

scheme? I know it. -- I note his concerns. I will meet with him to

discuss it further. Another economic-related question about

unemployment. I meet with Scottish ministers regularly to discuss a

range of issues. Scottish ministers join me in Dundee for a summit to

discuss youth unemployment in Scotland. We continued to work

together on this important issue. With the information that there is

(inaudible) going on in the apprenticeship schemes with people

in work being counted as new apprenticeships. Off shore industry

say they need them to fill their spaces in their industry. Should he

not call an all party, all Parliament forum in Scotland about

unemployment and stop this behaviour of the SNP running a

single party state with their ministers wondering around having

one party meetings? I appreciate the length of time he spent working

on this particular issue over his political career. I also believe

it's important that the parties can work together because the origins

of youth unemployment lie elsewhere rather than just under this

government's tenure. I'm happy to work with him and others to make

sure we get all the best ideas focused on tackling youth

unemployment. I welcome the Secretary of State's recent visit

to my constituency's largest employer, Aviva, with 1100 staff,

and the support for the working initiative which since the end of

April created new employment and training opportunities in the area.

What more can the government do to employ young people? I would like

to thank her for the opportunity to visit with her the Aviva offices in

their constituency and pay tribute to the work they are doing with

young people. It's important we do all we can to support young people.

That is why the youth contract is in place, helping to ensure the

Scottish Government has support... There is plenty of scope for an

adjournment debate, I think. Speaker, the Secretary of State

recently visited my constituency. I wonder if he can give us a progress

report on how he got on with the schools industry liaison

committees? I regret to inform the honourable gentleman I have not

made as much progress. I hope he recognises the important support we

have given him in form of the enterprise allowances available.

There I will catch up with him and the Scottish government role in it

any time soon. Does he agree the plans to reform employment law will

encourage small businesss to take on more young people. The employ

law review will carry on throughout this Parliament. I look forward to

seeing what proposals come forward in due course. A question about

combating high energy prices. are committed to ensuring consumers

get the best deal for their energy usage and has put in place measures

to reduce household energy bills sms in May I held a summit bringing

together the big six energy suppliers, Scottish consumer groups

and Ofcom to -- offgom to address this issue. -- Ofgem to address

this issue. The average energy prices have increased by 140% her

household whereas the average income for households is a mere 20%.

What is the Government doing to respond to people's worries,

especially elderly people, people with disabilities and low income

families to deal with what is now an onslaught on vulnerable people?

The Government is continuing with cold weather payments and winter

fuel payment and is bringing forward the green deal. We are

working with voluntary organisations across Scotland to

help them help support the most vulnerable to get access to all the

benefits available to them for fuel issues. Mr Speaker, many islanders

are telling me that the 5p fuel duty discount is not being passed

on to the motorists. Will the minister speak to the bodies and

ask them to investigate. They must make sure this discount is passed

on to the motorists in its entirety. I'm concerned to hear what he has

to say on that issue. I will be very happy to meet with him and

other concerned island MPs to discuss it. This is a question

about the funding for Scotland from the UK Government. The agreement

sets out we are committed to a review of public funding

arrangements once we deal with the deficit we inherited from the

previous government. Whilst you would have to have an intelligence

as profound as a spinnosa to understand central government

funding of Scotland, isn't one thing clear, not only do we have no

say over education and health in Scotland, but they run ours we pay

over the odds for theirs. Perhaps the SNP's should be careful what

they wish for when they call for independence? He more than most

understands the complexities of public spending in this country. If

I might say to him, our priority has to be to reduce the deficit. We

can then look again at these issues. I would point out to him, within

England there are quite large variations. The figure for health

spending in London is higher than that of Scotland. Mr Speaker, given

that the Scottish Government have had no discussions with either the

Cha or the Bank of England to have a place on the Bank of England's

Monetary Policy Committee, which would be a committee of a foreign

country, does the Secretary of State agree with me this is another

assertion that (inaudible (to Scottish people. He Seine tierl

right to highlight again the assertion that is are made by the

Scottish Government rather than detailed evidence and analysis

which we as a Government are determined to provide for this

great debate. They seem to be willing and able to swap a good

partnership for a new dependency. That is not right. This is a

question relating to the fishing industry. The UK government warked

hard to influence the content of the general approach at fisheries

council. It would deliver positive benefits for Scotland's fisheries

and those depend on them. More moves towards more regalised

fisheries management and that fish discards are eliminated. I welcome

the progress last week. Does the minister think this is an

appropriate juncture in the process to introduce more transparency by

the UK government making public the individuals and companies which

hold fish stock quota here? What I think I agree with the honourable

lady on is that the UK and Scottish Government work well together. The

fisheries council is a good example of both governments working

together in that way for the benefit of Scotland's fishermen.

She is absolutely right. We need a register of active fishermen to

show... The House must come to order. The House should be

listening to the Chair of the Ken Livingstone environmental Food and

Rural Affairs Select Committee, listening with respect.

fisheries. She's absolutely right. Without a register we do not know

who our active fishermen in Scotland and who are slipper

skippers. The ministers both here in the UK government and the

Scottish Government will have heard her comments as a respected

contributor on such matters. This is a question the by centenary of

Dr David Livingstone. I have discussed the best way for the UK

Government to mark this bicentenary. Scotland office will hold a

commemorative event at Dover House. My officials will work will other

interested parties to ensure this anniversary is celebrated across

the UK. Would he also join with me in supporting my invitation to the

President to visit the UK during the bicentenary and as part of that

visit to come to my constituency? Can I commend the honourable member

for the role he has played in promoting the David Livingstone

bicentenary which has great resonance in his constituency. Yes,

the Scotland office will work with him and others to encourage the

President to come to Scotland. is all we have time for at the

moment. That is all from Scottish Questions for the couple of months.

With the summer break the next Scottish Questions here at