0:00:15 > 0:00:19Hello and a very warm welcome to Westminster for the March edition
0:00:19 > 0:00:21of Scottish Questions.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Not much springlike weather around, I'll grant you, but, incidentally,
0:00:25 > 0:00:29this is the final Scottish Questions before the Holyrood elections.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33And also the Scotland Bill, which will give Holyrood far more powers,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36completes its passage through Westminster today,
0:00:36 > 0:00:39so no shortage of topics for MPs to concentrate on.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43But proceedings began with a question about the noble
0:00:43 > 0:00:47game of golf, and its importance to the Scottish economy.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Order, order.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Tom Pursglove.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Question number one, Mr Speaker.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Mr Speaker, can I begin by expressing
0:01:01 > 0:01:03the solidarity of the people
0:01:03 > 0:01:08of Scotland with the people of Belgium at this difficult time?
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to
0:01:11 > 0:01:15all those who were killed and their families and friends and, indeed,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19all those caught up in yesterday's horrific events.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Golf makes a huge contribution to Scotland's economy.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28Independent analysis in 2013 showed the game contributed
0:01:28 > 0:01:33over £1 billion in revenues and supports some 20,000 jobs.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36There are almost 600 golf courses across the country,
0:01:36 > 0:01:41generating annual revenues of £582 million.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- Mr Pursglove.- I thank the Minister for that answer,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48and I very much share the sentiments of solidarity he expressed towards
0:01:48 > 0:01:51the people of Belgium at this very difficult time.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Given the success he talked about in relation to golf in Scotland,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56what steps is he taking to try to secure further
0:01:56 > 0:02:00investment in this very important industry for Scotland?
0:02:01 > 0:02:07Mr Speaker, there is one new opportunity to support golf
0:02:07 > 0:02:11and young people in golf which arose in last week's Budget,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and the sugar tax element of it which will see
0:02:15 > 0:02:19investment in the wider UK in sport in schools.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21I hope the Scottish Government will follow through
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and use those funds to develop sport in schools,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29including golf which is a very popular sport, as we've heard.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32We also have the opportunity this year to present
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Scotland's golfing merits to the wider world
0:02:36 > 0:02:38with the British Open at Royal Troon.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40That will be a showcase for the world
0:02:40 > 0:02:43on Scotland's golfing opportunities.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Dr Philippa Whitford. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50I thank the right honourable gentleman for mentioning
0:02:50 > 0:02:52my local golf course.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56As the MP for Royal Troon, we look forward to welcoming people in July.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59But I wonder whether the Secretary of State
0:02:59 > 0:03:02would discuss with his other colleagues on the front bench
0:03:02 > 0:03:06about having a regional strategy for smaller airports,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09in that at Prestwick, you fly in over Royal Troon,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and, perhaps, while the Chancellor is in a listening mood,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16to consider perhaps a VAT reduction for rural tourism,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20which would help many constituencies across the UK?
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Presumably with a view to people then playing golf.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25But they need to come here first.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Indeed they do, as you pertinently observe from a sedentary position.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34Indeed, and I'd be very happy to meet with the honourable lady
0:03:34 > 0:03:37to discuss those issues further.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40I am also very interested in pursuing the proposed
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Ayrshire regional growth deal, which, I know,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46has golf at the heart of it, in terms of promoting
0:03:46 > 0:03:49tourism in that part of Scotland.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Alberto Costa. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01Can I add my contribution on that topic and say it was
0:04:01 > 0:04:03with pleasure that I saw, last week,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05the Secretary of State share a platform with
0:04:05 > 0:04:09the First Minister, who, I'm sure, discussed the topic just discussed.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12But could he also confirm that's an example of the two Governments
0:04:12 > 0:04:16working together for the interests of the people of Scotland?
0:04:16 > 0:04:19'Alberto Costa is the Conservative MP for South Leicestershire.'
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Mr Speaker, you will be pleased to hear that the First Minister and I
0:04:22 > 0:04:25met and shared a platform in St Andrews, which,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29of course, is the world home of golf.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Of course, on sport, on any matter, Scotland does best
0:04:34 > 0:04:36when Scotland's two Governments work together.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37Angus Robertson.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43This is the first opportunity in Parliament to put on the record our
0:04:43 > 0:04:47total revulsion at and condemnation of the terrorist atrocities
0:04:47 > 0:04:50in Brussels, and our solidarity with everybody affected.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53We join the Secretary of State for Scotland in that.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Mr Speaker, the promotion of the Ryder Cup in Scotland
0:04:56 > 0:04:58was a huge achievement for the Scottish Government
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and the then First Minister, Alex Salmond.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Today is the last sitting day of the Scottish Parliament.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07So, given that he is standing down from Holyrood,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11can I pay tribute to him in his remarkable tenure as an MSP
0:05:11 > 0:05:16and First Minister, and to all other from all parties who are retiring?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Mr Speaker, does the Secretary of State agree that there's much
0:05:19 > 0:05:21that can be built on following the Ryder Cup success?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24And how does he plan to contribute towards that?
0:05:24 > 0:05:26I am sure that that was a most courteous tribute,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29but I hope the right honourable gentleman will not object
0:05:29 > 0:05:33if I say that the first part of his question was way off the fairway.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40Mr Speaker, I do agree that the securing of the Ryder Cup
0:05:40 > 0:05:43to be held in Scotland was a very significant event.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Indeed, I can agree that the former First Minister of Scotland
0:05:46 > 0:05:51has made a remarkable contribution to Scottish politics,
0:05:51 > 0:05:56the detail on that we'll probably differ...differ on.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00But I believe it's what...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03what the former First Minister's done, many of the MSPs
0:06:03 > 0:06:05who are standing down, who I also pay tribute to,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09have done, and what we all need to do, is promote Scotland together,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and by promoting Scotland together,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14that's when we get the best results for Scotland.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- Mr Angus Robertson. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I'll try to remain on the fairway.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Tourism is one of the most important industries that Scotland has,
0:06:22 > 0:06:27and golf and whisky are key drivers for people visiting the country.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Does the Secretary of State welcome local initiatives to better promote
0:06:30 > 0:06:35iconic Scottish regions and locations, such as Speyside?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38What encouragement would he give to public
0:06:38 > 0:06:41and private sector partners in making the most of
0:06:41 > 0:06:44world-class potential as a tourism draw?
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Mr Speaker, I am aware of the specific initiatives
0:06:50 > 0:06:52to purs...to promote Speyside,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56having recently visited the right honourable gentleman's
0:06:56 > 0:07:00very picturesque constituency, and I do wish them well.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04I believe these opportunities only reach their full potential
0:07:04 > 0:07:09with significant public and private sector partners playing a full
0:07:09 > 0:07:12part, and I look forward to hearing from the right honourable gentleman
0:07:12 > 0:07:16about progress from Speyside and other regions of Scotland
0:07:16 > 0:07:18making the most of that potential.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- Stuart Andrew. - 'And this is a question about
0:07:20 > 0:07:23'the North Sea oil and gas industry.'
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Government Ministers and officials had meetings
0:07:25 > 0:07:29with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31including the oil and gas industry.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Last week, the Chancellor announced a further package of reforms
0:07:34 > 0:07:37to support jobs and investment in the oil and gas sector.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41This will help the industry respond to the challenging commercial
0:07:41 > 0:07:43conditions caused by the steep fall in oil prices.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Stuart Andrew. - I'm grateful for that answer.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49The excellent Budget package for the oil and gas industry
0:07:49 > 0:07:51has certainly been welcomed by the industry.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Is this not another example showing
0:07:53 > 0:07:56that when Scotland's two Governments work together
0:07:56 > 0:08:00they can get the best outcome for Scotland in the United Kingdom,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03that an independent Scotland could never have achieved?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08I think my honourable friend makes an extremely good point.
0:08:08 > 0:08:15And the fact is that the United Kingdom is able to absorb
0:08:15 > 0:08:17the shocks of the volatile oil price,
0:08:17 > 0:08:22and take steps to ensure that we have an oil and gas sector
0:08:22 > 0:08:25as strong as it can be, given the very low oil prices.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- Kirsty Blackman. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Will the Minister and his front bench colleagues commit
0:08:31 > 0:08:35to taking action to ensure that companies in the oil and gas sector
0:08:35 > 0:08:38have got appropriate access to finance at this time?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Of course, as a Government, we do all we can
0:08:42 > 0:08:47to support businesses the length and breadth of the United Kingdom
0:08:47 > 0:08:49in all sectors.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53The point I would make is that we are able to take action in this area
0:08:53 > 0:08:58and support the oil and gas sector because we are a United Kingdom.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02And had we been in the position where Scotland became independent,
0:09:02 > 0:09:07it would face a very, very substantial...very, very substantial
0:09:07 > 0:09:11loss of revenue and have great difficulties absorbing that.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Mina Ahmed-Sheikh.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16'And this is a question about benefit changes in Scotland.'
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I meet my right honourable friend the, Secretary of State
0:09:19 > 0:09:22for Scotland, and counterpart Ministers in the Scottish Government
0:09:22 > 0:09:25on a regular basis to discuss devolution of welfare programmes
0:09:25 > 0:09:26to the Scottish Government.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Mina Ahmed-Sheikh.- I thank the Minister for her answer.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Last week's Budget saw one of the most iniquitous measures
0:09:32 > 0:09:34proposed by this Government,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37cutting PIP for 40,000 disabled people in Scotland.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I wonder when the Secretary of State for Scotland,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44and Ministers in the office, first realised that this was the wrong thing to do?
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Around the Cabinet table? During the Budget statement?
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Or on Sunday, when the Prime Minister was forced to backtrack on it?
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I would say to the honourable lady the Government's position
0:09:55 > 0:10:00is clear when it comes to PIP and disability reforms,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02as for being announced by my right honourable friend,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and, of course,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08my right honourable friend, the Chancellor.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Stewart Malcolm McDonald.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Will the Secretary of State inform the House
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and the people of Scotland when he realised these cuts were wrong,
0:10:17 > 0:10:22or was he himself planning a resignation over the weekend?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24As I've already said, Mr Speaker,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28the Government's position has been abundantly clear.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32And if he missed my right honourable friend's,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, statement on Monday,
0:10:35 > 0:10:39I will be more than happy to share it with him again.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- Mr Ian Murray. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Can I start by echoing the comments of the Secretary of State
0:10:47 > 0:10:50and the leader of the SNP, and pass on my heartfelt condolences
0:10:50 > 0:10:53to all those involved in the events in Brussels.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Mr Speaker, we will defeat terrorism, but,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59as the Secretary of State said, it will take solidarity and resolve.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Mr Speaker, last night, the House passed a Budget that was unprecedented.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07It contained a £4.4 billion black hole after the Chancellor was
0:11:07 > 0:11:11forced to reverse his decision on cutting Personal Independence Payments.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Their long-term economic plan
0:11:13 > 0:11:16turning into a long-term economic scam.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20These savage cuts, following the £1,500 a year reduction
0:11:20 > 0:11:24in ESA and WRAG affect over 60,000 Scots.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26They would have gone through had it not been
0:11:26 > 0:11:29for the resignation of the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31So, can the Minister guarantee that,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34when the Chancellor returns with revised public spending,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38none of these cuts will fall on the disabled and most vulnerable?
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46And I thank the honourable gentleman for his comments. First of all,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I welcome his comments with regard to the tribute to my right
0:11:49 > 0:11:52honourable friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56What I would say is that we've been very clear as a government
0:11:56 > 0:11:59that we are not proceeding with our changes and we will not be seeking
0:11:59 > 0:12:01an alternative offset in savings.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Mr Ian Murray. - It's clear from that answer,
0:12:04 > 0:12:06and from the previous answer,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09that the Government has absolutely no idea what to do now.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14They are creating untold anxiety for the people in Scotland affected.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Let me remind the House what the former Secretary of State said -
0:12:17 > 0:12:21he said that the cuts in this Budget risked dividing society,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25that put pounds ahead of people, and were distinctly political
0:12:25 > 0:12:28rather than in the national economic interest.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Does she agree with her former Cabinet colleague,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34and many on her own side, that these cuts to disabled people
0:12:34 > 0:12:37in Scotland are not defensible?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And does she want to take this opportunity to apologise,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43on behalf of the Scottish Conservative Party, to the tens of
0:12:43 > 0:12:47thousands of vulnerable and disabled Scots affected by this shambles?
0:12:50 > 0:12:56I reiterate that the point that I've made already. The Government's position is fundamentally clear.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59There will be no further changes to disability payments.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Secondly, he may have realised that last night the Budget
0:13:02 > 0:13:06was passed by this House, that was right and proper.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Thirdly, he, of all people, should recognise that we,
0:13:09 > 0:13:10as a government, are delivering on
0:13:10 > 0:13:13the Smith Commission and devolving powers to the Scottish Government.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16We look forward to working with the Scottish Government on
0:13:16 > 0:13:19welfare reform and the delivery of employment and support
0:13:19 > 0:13:23programmes for the benefit and the betterment of the Scottish people.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Karen Lumley. - Number four, Mr Speaker.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29'And this is a question about the wider economy in Scotland.'
0:13:29 > 0:13:31I regularly meet a wide range of business organisations
0:13:31 > 0:13:34to discuss economic issues in Scotland.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37As I've already alluded to, last week, I shared a platform
0:13:37 > 0:13:40with the First Minister of Scotland at the annual forum
0:13:40 > 0:13:43of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47where we discussed the important issue of productivity.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Given that businesses in Redditch
0:13:49 > 0:13:51have welcomed the devolution deal for Birmingham,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53what representations have business groups in Scotland made
0:13:53 > 0:13:57to my right honourable friend about city deals there?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Mr Speaker, I've been particularly delighted
0:13:59 > 0:14:02at the welcome from business groups in Scotland
0:14:02 > 0:14:07for the announcement yesterday of the Inverness and Highland City Deal
0:14:07 > 0:14:11which, in combination, the Scottish government, UK government
0:14:11 > 0:14:16and Highland Council will deliver a package of £315 million
0:14:16 > 0:14:19and I also particularly welcome the early day motion
0:14:19 > 0:14:23from the member from Inverness and his colleagues
0:14:23 > 0:14:27and I pay tribute to his part in bringing that deal about.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Liz McInnes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32The Secretary of State will be aware
0:14:32 > 0:14:34that around 400,000 workers in Scotland
0:14:34 > 0:14:37earn less than the living wage.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40The government claims to be on the side of working people
0:14:40 > 0:14:42so why have his Scottish Tory colleagues
0:14:42 > 0:14:45repeatedly voted alongside the SNP government
0:14:45 > 0:14:50to thwart Scottish Labour proposals to extend the living wage?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54'And Liz McInnes is the Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton in Lancashire.'
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I will resist the temptation, Mr Speaker,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00to give the honourable lady a lecture
0:15:00 > 0:15:04on the Scottish Labour Party's woes
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and the fact that they have not been a credible opposition
0:15:07 > 0:15:10to the SNP in Scotland.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13This government is very, very clear on its proposals
0:15:13 > 0:15:17to increase the wages of the poorest in society
0:15:17 > 0:15:20by the introduction of the national living wage.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- John Stevenson. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Local government quite clearly has a role to play
0:15:25 > 0:15:27in economic development.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Would the Minister agree that it is important the Scottish Parliament
0:15:30 > 0:15:33also devolves power to local government
0:15:33 > 0:15:37and they could look to England for a lead, such as elected mayors?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39'John Stevenson is the Conservative MP for Carlisle.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Mr Speaker, I very much take on board
0:15:41 > 0:15:44what my honourable friend had to say
0:15:44 > 0:15:48but, when I spoke with the First Minister of Scotland
0:15:48 > 0:15:51at the SCDI forum last week,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55I was particularly encouraged about what she had to say
0:15:55 > 0:15:58about her support for city deals
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and I hope that the city deals that we see emerging in Scotland
0:16:01 > 0:16:03will not just include the financial packages,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07but they will go on to include greater devolution within Scotland.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Dr Lisa Cameron.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Many thanks, Mr Speaker.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16People in my constituency of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
0:16:16 > 0:16:19are extremely concerned by the perceived impact
0:16:19 > 0:16:21on the local economy and local jobs
0:16:21 > 0:16:25of the proposed closure of HMRC sites.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28What impact assessment is being made of these closures
0:16:28 > 0:16:31on our local economy and jobs?
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Mr Speaker, initial proposals have been set out
0:16:38 > 0:16:43in relation to the future shape of HMRC
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and, of course, we repeatedly hear in this House
0:16:45 > 0:16:50about wishes to make HMRC more efficient and more effective
0:16:50 > 0:16:54but no steps will be taken in the honourable lady's constituency
0:16:54 > 0:16:57or elsewhere without full consultation
0:16:57 > 0:16:59with all those involved.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Stephen Gethins.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06'And this is a question about Scotland and the European Union.'
0:17:06 > 0:17:08As the First Minister and I both confirmed
0:17:08 > 0:17:12when we shared a platform in St Andrews in his own constituency
0:17:12 > 0:17:16last week, the official position of both the UK and Scottish governments
0:17:16 > 0:17:19is that the UK is better off in a reformed EU.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Stephen Gethins. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Firstly, can I associate myself with the remarks on Brussels
0:17:25 > 0:17:28having spent many happy years in that wonderful city.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Secondly, Mr Speaker, the Secretary of State will be aware
0:17:32 > 0:17:34of the benefits the EU membership has brought us,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37such as paternal rights, holiday entitlement.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Does he agree with me that we should be focusing on those benefits
0:17:40 > 0:17:42and no rerun of Project Fear?
0:17:45 > 0:17:49I don't know if the honourable gentleman
0:17:49 > 0:17:53saw the details of my speech yesterday
0:17:53 > 0:17:56which set out the benefits to Scotland of remaining in the EU
0:17:56 > 0:17:59and in which I set out a positive case
0:17:59 > 0:18:02and I look forward to sharing platforms over the coming weeks
0:18:02 > 0:18:06with him and his colleagues to make that case.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Mr Philip Davies. - Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Given that we have a £62 billion a year trade deficit
0:18:11 > 0:18:14with the European Union, does the Secretary of State think that,
0:18:14 > 0:18:18if we were to leave the EU, the Prime Minister has the ability
0:18:18 > 0:18:21to negotiate a free-trade deal with the European Union
0:18:21 > 0:18:23or does he think that the Prime Minister hasn't got the ability
0:18:23 > 0:18:26to negotiate a free-trade deal with the European Union?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29'Philip Davies is the Conservative MP for Shipley in Yorkshire.'
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Mr Speaker, my position is clear.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I believe that Scotland and the UK are better off in the EU
0:18:35 > 0:18:37with the reformed arrangement
0:18:37 > 0:18:40that the Prime Minister has already negotiated.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Douglas Chapman.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Mr Speaker, thank you.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Will my right honourable friend recognise that a recent survey
0:18:47 > 0:18:49confirmed that the Scottish Government
0:18:49 > 0:18:52is one of the most trusted governments in the whole of Europe?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Will he also look forward to the re-election of Nicola Sturgeon
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and her team so we can continue being the most trusted government
0:19:00 > 0:19:03in the whole of Europe beyond the 23rd of June?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Mr Speaker,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10what I want to ensure is that Nicola Sturgeon and her team
0:19:10 > 0:19:14are properly held to account in the Scottish Parliament
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and that's why I'm encouraging
0:19:16 > 0:19:20people to vote for Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Clive Lewis.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Question number six, Mr Speaker.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26'And this is a question about carbon capture and storage
0:19:26 > 0:19:30'and its relationship to Peterhead in the north-east of Scotland.'
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State
0:19:35 > 0:19:38for Energy and Climate Change and ministers of the Scottish Government
0:19:38 > 0:19:41on a number of important energy issues affecting Scotland,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43most recently last night.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45Clive Lewis.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48The government's own advisers on energy and climate change
0:19:48 > 0:19:53have warned that the cost of meeting our climate change targets
0:19:53 > 0:19:56could, could, double
0:19:56 > 0:19:59without Peterhead and without carbon capture and storage.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04Seeing as the government are having a good run on U-turns
0:20:04 > 0:20:07when it comes to saving George Osborne, the Chancellor,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10perhaps they would also like to make a U-turn
0:20:10 > 0:20:12when it comes to saving the planet.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Something I think people feel far more worthwhile.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Mr Speaker, we're looking carefully at all options
0:20:21 > 0:20:24in developing our approach to CCS,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27informed by Lord Oxburgh's CCS advisory group.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29In parallel, the government continues to engage
0:20:29 > 0:20:32with the CCS industry, including Shell,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35who are leading the proposed Peterhead project.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Margaret Ferrier.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43At the time of the announcement for the £1 billion of funding
0:20:43 > 0:20:47for the carbon capture and storage scheme at Peterhead,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51the Energy Secretary was forced to deny that it was a bribe
0:20:51 > 0:20:53prior to the independence referendum.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Now the withdrawal
0:20:55 > 0:20:58of this supposedly ring-fenced capital investment
0:20:58 > 0:21:00exposes it as just that.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity today
0:21:03 > 0:21:05to apologise to the people of Scotland?
0:21:07 > 0:21:12Mr Speaker, if anybody should apologise to the people of Scotland,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14it's the honourable lady and her friends
0:21:14 > 0:21:17for suggesting that oil tomorrow
0:21:17 > 0:21:21would have a price of 103 a barrel.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27What is clear in relation to CCS
0:21:27 > 0:21:30is that the costs are high and must come down.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32We haven't ruled CCS out
0:21:32 > 0:21:34and we're committed to working with the industry
0:21:34 > 0:21:36to bring forward innovative ideas
0:21:36 > 0:21:40for reducing the cost of this potentially important industry.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43Wayne David.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Mr Speaker, I am reluctant to refer to the Budget
0:21:48 > 0:21:53because we can't be absolutely sure what is in and what is out.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56For example, the Chancellor's support for the oil and gas industry
0:21:56 > 0:22:00is welcome, but it doesn't take us very far forward.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Unfortunately, it appears that the government here in London
0:22:03 > 0:22:06is taking its cue from the government in Holyrood.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10There, the SNP Government recently axed £10 million worth
0:22:10 > 0:22:12of tax breaks for renewable firms
0:22:12 > 0:22:16and they see themselves as a green administration.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Aren't we seeing two governments who are confused,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21pursuing contradictory policies
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and not knowing if they're coming or going?
0:22:26 > 0:22:31Mr Speaker, I can point out one very distinct difference
0:22:31 > 0:22:35between this Government and any Labour Scottish Government
0:22:35 > 0:22:37or indeed SNP Scottish Government
0:22:37 > 0:22:42and that is that we are not putting up the tax for ordinary people
0:22:42 > 0:22:45as both those parties propose.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51Mr Speaker, we've made it very clear that the door is not closed on CCS
0:22:51 > 0:22:54but the costs must come down.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Nigel Huddleston.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02'And this is a question about the financial implications of the Scotland Bill.'
0:23:02 > 0:23:04The UK and Scottish Governments have met ten times
0:23:04 > 0:23:07under the Joint Exchequer Committee since the election last year.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09These discussions resulted last month in the agreement
0:23:09 > 0:23:12of a new fiscal framework for the Scottish Government.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Agreement on the fiscal framework enables us to deliver
0:23:15 > 0:23:18on the vow we made to the Scottish people
0:23:18 > 0:23:20and delivers one of the most powerful and accountable
0:23:20 > 0:23:22devolved parliaments in the world
0:23:22 > 0:23:24with the economic and national security
0:23:24 > 0:23:28that comes from being part of the United Kingdom.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Nigel Huddleston.- Thank you.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Does the Minister agree that it would be bad news for Scotland
0:23:33 > 0:23:36if it became the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and does he agree with Ruth Davidson MSP
0:23:39 > 0:23:42that Scottish taxpayers shouldn't have to pay any more in tax
0:23:42 > 0:23:44than fellow Britons in England... Er...
0:23:44 > 0:23:46England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
0:23:49 > 0:23:51The Scottish people have got
0:23:51 > 0:23:54essentially three choices in their elections.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Two of those choices, whether it be voting Labour or voting SNP,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00would involve paying more in income tax.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Mr Gavin Newlands.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Does the Secretary of State agree with me
0:24:06 > 0:24:09that the Chancellor's reckless last-minute intervention
0:24:09 > 0:24:12to tweak the fiscal framework after it had been agreed by the Treasury
0:24:12 > 0:24:14and the Scottish government...
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Was the Secretary of State of Scotland aware
0:24:17 > 0:24:19about the Chancellor's brinkmanship intentions
0:24:19 > 0:24:22that endangered the framework at the very last moment?
0:24:25 > 0:24:26The answer is no.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28An agreement has been reached.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30We're pleased we've got that agreement
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and now it is for the Scottish Government
0:24:32 > 0:24:34to be held accountable by the Scottish people.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Deidre Brock.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Question number eight, Mr Speaker.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42'And this is a question about the recent Budget.'
0:24:42 > 0:24:45The Chancellor's delivered a Budget that delivers for Scotland.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48This will be the last budget where a UK Chancellor
0:24:48 > 0:24:52sets out income tax rates and thresholds for Scottish earners.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55The changes to the income tax personal allowance
0:24:55 > 0:24:59will benefit 2.6 million taxpayers in Scotland.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02The Budget delivers on our plans to build a stronger economy
0:25:02 > 0:25:06as part of the UK and put the next generation first.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Deidre Brock.- Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I congratulate the Minister on finding the Chancellor
0:25:12 > 0:25:15to have those discussions.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Earlier this week, we thought he'd gone walkabout.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22The budget had £1 billion worth of cuts to the Scottish budget
0:25:22 > 0:25:27and £650 million worth of cuts to the English NHS.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Given the volte-face on social security cuts,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32does he think he might persuade the Chancellor
0:25:32 > 0:25:34to reverse Scotland's cuts
0:25:34 > 0:25:37and put in a good word for the English NHS as well?
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Can I just remind the House
0:25:41 > 0:25:44that there were three asks coming from the SNP -
0:25:44 > 0:25:46freezing whisky duty,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48freezing fuel duty
0:25:48 > 0:25:50and helping the oil and gas industry.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53That's exactly what the Chancellor delivered.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Mr Alan Brown.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Can I ask the Secretary of State for Scotland,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05did he discuss with the Chancellor the merits
0:26:05 > 0:26:08of an £8.5 billion corporation tax cut,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11a 6 billion giveaway on capital gains and inheritance tax
0:26:11 > 0:26:15versus the proposed 4 billion cut to the disabled
0:26:15 > 0:26:17and how that would affect the people in Scotland
0:26:17 > 0:26:21or did he sit there and do what he's told yet again?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Can I remind the honourable gentleman
0:26:25 > 0:26:28that there are 73,000 businesses in Scotland
0:26:28 > 0:26:31that will benefit from the cut in corporation tax.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Is he saying he opposes that?
0:26:35 > 0:26:37And I'm afraid that's all we've got time for at the moment.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Because of the Easter break,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44the next Scottish Questions won't be until Wednesday the 11th of May,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47by which time, of course, we will know the results
0:26:47 > 0:26:48of the Holyrood elections
0:26:48 > 0:26:52so there will be plenty for MPs to talk about.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55But for now, from all of us here at Westminster, goodbye.