0:00:21 > 0:00:26A very warm welcome to Westminster for October's Scottish questions. As
0:00:26 > 0:00:30you may have gathered it is unseasonably mild down here at the
0:00:30 > 0:00:35moment but whether any of that warmth transferred to the Commons
0:00:35 > 0:00:39chamber... I will let you be the judge of that. As usual, a variety
0:00:39 > 0:00:44of topics under discussion such as the economy and, of course, Brexit.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Proceedings began about the question of closure of further job centres in
0:00:48 > 0:00:59Scotland.Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Question one, Mr Speaker.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Most Jobcentres are staying put.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05We are merging some into neighbouring offices to create
0:01:05 > 0:01:11bigger, multi-skilled teams, moving them into better buildings,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13or placing them into shared local authority space,
0:01:13 > 0:01:18all of which can lead to better customer service.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21In Glasgow, unemployment has consistently been higher
0:01:21 > 0:01:23than the national average, child poverty is rising,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27and the use of food banks has increased by 20%
0:01:27 > 0:01:29in the past two years.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32How can Ministers justify closing so many Jobcentres,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34which provide vital support for people struggling
0:01:34 > 0:01:39to access the labour market?
0:01:39 > 0:01:44I can confirm that Glasgow will continue to have a considerably
0:01:44 > 0:01:48higher concentration of Jobcentres not only than the large cities
0:01:48 > 0:01:54in England but compared with most other large cities in Scotland.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56We have redesigned the estate to make sure that we can provide
0:01:56 > 0:02:00well for our client base, but from bigger Jobcentres.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03There are a number of things we can do from larger Jobcentres to help
0:02:03 > 0:02:05unemployed people that it is not so straightforward to
0:02:05 > 0:02:11do from smaller ones.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Bridgeton Jobcentre in my constituency will close and people
0:02:13 > 0:02:17will have to take two buses to get to Shettleston.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Will the Minister give a commitment that not a single one
0:02:20 > 0:02:23of my constituents will be sanctioned for being late
0:02:23 > 0:02:32because they could not get there on time because of his cuts?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Damian Hines is the Work and Pensions minister.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38We expect people who are not in work to have the working week effectively
0:02:38 > 0:02:40available for their job-search activities, including
0:02:40 > 0:02:42visiting the Jobcentre and, of course, applying for jobs.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45As I think the honourable lady already knows, the rate of sanctions
0:02:45 > 0:02:48is down significantly.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51The vast majority of people do not get sanctioned every month,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and we run a policy of having a reasonable approach.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57If people have a good reason for not being at an appointment,
0:02:57 > 0:03:02they will not be sanctioned.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06The Department for Work and Pensions claims that the need for Jobcentres
0:03:06 > 0:03:10is declining with the growth of online services,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13but in the constituency of Glasgow East, which has one
0:03:13 > 0:03:18of the highest claimant rates in Scotland, at around 35%,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21many do not have access to the internet and 51%
0:03:21 > 0:03:25are not IT literate, yet the government are still closing
0:03:25 > 0:03:33three Jobcentres, one of which serves three homeless shelters.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of closures
0:03:36 > 0:03:40on service users, many of whom rely on face-to-face interaction
0:03:40 > 0:03:47with Jobcentre staff?
0:03:47 > 0:03:51We did of course make an assessment of the effect of the changes.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Where the changes would involve people having to travel more
0:03:53 > 0:03:55than three miles or 20 minutes by public transport,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57we had a public consultation.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00In one case, we changed the plan in the light of the consultation,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02as the honourable member for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm
0:04:02 > 0:04:03McDonald) well knows.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06We think it is right to move to larger Jobcentres
0:04:06 > 0:04:10in which we can do more.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12They are better equipped and have computers to ensure that
0:04:12 > 0:04:14that facility is there, and there are specialists
0:04:14 > 0:04:17in the Jobcentre who can help people with the computers and get
0:04:17 > 0:04:20through the problems of digital exclusion
0:04:20 > 0:04:24that the honourable lady mentions.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I thank the Minister for that answer, but I am afraid
0:04:27 > 0:04:32it is not very convincing or particularly reassuring.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34He knows full well that equality impact assessments
0:04:34 > 0:04:38have been conducted, as the Secretary of State
0:04:38 > 0:04:46for Scotland told me in response to my letter.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49The Secretary of State also said in his letter that if I wanted
0:04:49 > 0:04:53to access that equality information, I would have to make individual
0:04:53 > 0:04:59freedom of information requests for every single Jobcentre.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02It is outrageous that the government are covering up this
0:05:02 > 0:05:06vital information.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11They claim to value openness and transparency, but they refuse
0:05:11 > 0:05:15to publish information that should be freely available,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18no matter how much it shames them.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I have in my hand an FOI request...
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Order.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I am sorry, but I need a single sentence and a question
0:05:28 > 0:05:30mark at the end of it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32There is a lot of pressure on time.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35I apologise to the honourable lady, but she is taking far too long.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36She must be very quick.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39The Minister has one more chance to publish the information.
0:05:39 > 0:05:45Otherwise, here is my FOI request.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47The key point is that an Equality Impact Assessment
0:05:47 > 0:05:50is not just a document, it is an entire way of thinking
0:05:50 > 0:05:54and working and it runs throughout these processes.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57I can confirm that we have been absolutely compliant with our duties
0:05:57 > 0:06:04under the Equality Act 2010, as we should be.
0:06:04 > 0:06:14We are in agreement with the devolved Administrations
0:06:15 > 0:06:19that common frameworks will be necessary in some areas but,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21as I have made it clear, we expect that there will be
0:06:21 > 0:06:24a significant increase in the decision-making power of each
0:06:24 > 0:06:33devolved Administration.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37The questioning includes number 14 rather than 15? Very good.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39We hear about this powers bonanza all the time,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42but the Prime Minister was unable to give us details on Monday,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45and it seems that the Secretary of State was unable to do
0:06:45 > 0:06:47so yesterday at the Scottish Affairs Committee.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Let us give him another opportunity.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Can he name one power that will definitely come
0:06:50 > 0:06:57to the Scottish Parliament as a result of Brexit?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01We hear repeatedly from the Scottish National Benches
0:07:01 > 0:07:04about engagement with the Scottish government, and this engagement will
0:07:04 > 0:07:07be with the Scottish government.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10That is where the discussions are going on in relation
0:07:10 > 0:07:15to the transfer of powers.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20I am absolutely certain that, at the end of this process,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23the Scottish Parliament will have more powers and responsibilities
0:07:23 > 0:07:30than it does right now.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Among all the fluff of that answer, there was absolutely no substance.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36For a second time, may I ask the Secretary of State
0:07:36 > 0:07:41what new powers will be coming to Holyrood as a result of Brexit?
0:07:41 > 0:07:47The honourable gentleman will have seen a list of 111 powers
0:07:47 > 0:07:52and responsibilities...
0:07:54 > 0:07:55Order.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Mr Linden, you are a most over-excitable individual.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Calm yourself.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I understand your interest, but the question has been put...
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Order.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06There is no need for excessive gesticulation.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Whether or not you like the answer, Mr Linden, you must pay
0:08:09 > 0:08:11the Secretary of State the respect of hearing it,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15preferably with courtesy.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19This is all about grandstanding, it is not about the substantive
0:08:19 > 0:08:26issue of ensuring a transfer of very significant powers from the 111
0:08:26 > 0:08:32powers that were listed to the Scottish Parliament.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33I believe in devolution.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36I am committed to devolution and I want to see the maximum number
0:08:36 > 0:08:40of powers transferred.
0:08:40 > 0:08:47The Scottish National Party does not believe in devolution.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Can I, for the third time, ask the Secretary of State to name
0:08:50 > 0:08:51one power that is coming?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54If he is struggling for powers, may I suggest that he considers
0:08:54 > 0:08:57immigration, so that we can tackle things such as the skills
0:08:57 > 0:08:59immigration charge, which will be causing a skills shortage
0:08:59 > 0:09:04and damaging the economy in my constituency?
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I can give the honourable gentleman a definitive answer on the last
0:09:07 > 0:09:11part of his question.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16Immigration is not being devolved to Scotland.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19The Smith Commission process identified those areas
0:09:19 > 0:09:26of responsibility to be devolved, and immigration was not one of them.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29The Scottish National Party accepted that report and,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32on the basis of that, we implemented it in
0:09:32 > 0:09:37the Scotland Act 2016.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39I am disappointed that, after three questions,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41we still have not had an answer.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45On immigration, I am disappointed that the Secretary of State
0:09:45 > 0:09:49was disinclined to listen to my honourable friend
0:09:49 > 0:09:50the Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Perhaps he will listen to Nobel laureate Joe Stiglizt who,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56over the weekend, said that Scotland should have the powers to go its own
0:09:56 > 0:09:58way in migration policy.
0:09:58 > 0:10:04He knows a bit more about this than we do, so is he right?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I seem to remember that Professor Joe Stiglizt supported
0:10:07 > 0:10:12independence for Scotland, but the people of Scotland knew
0:10:12 > 0:10:18a bit more than the professor and decided to keep Scotland
0:10:18 > 0:10:23in the United Kingdom.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28My right honourable friend has been crystal clear that Brexit offers
0:10:28 > 0:10:31opportunities and powers.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36The SNP talks down Scotland, and specifically Aberdeenshire,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40the city that has managed to recover from the oil downturn.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Why cannot it recognise that the new powers and EU
0:10:43 > 0:10:44withdrawal offers opportunities to Scotland, specifically
0:10:44 > 0:10:51to Aberdeenshire?
0:10:51 > 0:10:59I am disappointed that the SNP is here in Westminster adopting this
0:10:59 > 0:11:06sort of pantomime approach to the very important issue
0:11:06 > 0:11:10of powers rather than engaging in a constructive way.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Fortunately, it appears that the Scottish government
0:11:13 > 0:11:16are adopting a more responsible approach, which is why
0:11:16 > 0:11:19there are substantial discussions between the UK and Scottish
0:11:19 > 0:11:24Governments.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26May I draw my right honourable friend s attention
0:11:26 > 0:11:30to the new inquiry on devolution and Brexit launched
0:11:30 > 0:11:32by the Select Committee on Public Administration
0:11:32 > 0:11:33and Constitutional Affairs?
0:11:33 > 0:11:38As well as promoting discussion among the governments
0:11:38 > 0:11:40of the United Kingdom, we want to promote discussion among
0:11:40 > 0:11:44the parliamentarians in the four parliaments of the United Kingdom
0:11:44 > 0:11:49in order to resolve these very difficult issues.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I very much welcome the contribution to the debate of my honourable
0:11:52 > 0:11:55friend s Committee.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Of course, it is very important that there
0:11:58 > 0:12:04is engagement across Parliaments, and I will be appearing before both
0:12:04 > 0:12:07the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and the Finance and Constitution Committee of the Scottish Parliament
0:12:10 > 0:12:12in the next couple of weeks.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15My right honourable friend will be
0:12:15 > 0:12:19with the UK is worth four times as much as its trade with the EU.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Does he find it confusing, as my constituents and I do,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26that the SNP is quite happy for us to stay in one single market,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28but advocate Scotland leaving the greatest single market right
0:12:28 > 0:12:29here on its doorstep...
0:12:29 > 0:12:35The United Kingdom?
0:12:35 > 0:12:38My honourable friend makes a good point.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41It is important that some of the powers and responsibilities
0:12:41 > 0:12:48that come back from Brussels are subject to UK-wide frameworks
0:12:48 > 0:12:51so that we can continue to benefit from our internal market
0:12:51 > 0:12:54in the United Kingdom.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Leaving the EU will inherently make the Scottish Parliament more
0:12:58 > 0:13:02powerful as we take back control from Brussels.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Does my right honourable friend agree that the SNP Government s
0:13:06 > 0:13:09confused EU policy would simply see the new powers gained handed
0:13:09 > 0:13:16straight back to Brussels?
0:13:16 > 0:13:20It is very important that the 500,000 yes
0:13:20 > 0:13:26supporters who voted to leave the European Union are absolutely
0:13:26 > 0:13:30clear that the SNP's position is to take Scotland right back
0:13:30 > 0:13:35into the EU.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39We all know that the Tories have a dubious record on devolution.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42After all, they opposed the creation of the Scottish Parliament
0:13:42 > 0:13:43in the first place.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46In stark contrast, the Labour party laid the foundations
0:13:46 > 0:13:47for the Scottish Parliament and will always act
0:13:47 > 0:13:50in its best interests.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52The Secretary of State says that the Scottish Parliament
0:13:52 > 0:13:54will get new powers eventually.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Well, new powers require additional resources to deliver,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00so will he tell us how much more money the Scottish Parliament will
0:14:00 > 0:14:03obtain to fund these new powers?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Will he also guarantee, unequivocally, that Brexit will not
0:14:05 > 0:14:15result in the Scottish Parliament's budget being cut?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17That was the shadow Scotland minister.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20I take issue with the honourable gentleman s analysis of devolution.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23I have been in this Parliament to see through both the Scotland Act
0:14:23 > 0:14:282012 and the Scotland Act 2016, which have seen a significant
0:14:28 > 0:14:32transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35I am determined that Brexit will see a further transfer of powers
0:14:35 > 0:14:40and responsibilities to the Scottish Parliament.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Of course, it will need to be done in an orderly way,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45which will be the purpose of clause 11 of the European Union
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Bill.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50We will work closely with the Scottish government
0:14:50 > 0:14:52and Scottish Parliament to ensure that that transfer
0:14:52 > 0:14:54of powers is orderly.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56We need to speed up a little bit.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02A very pithy question, I am sure, from Mr Stephen Kerr.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Does the Secretary of State agree that Scotland s two Governments...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07The UK Government and the Scottish government...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10should work together in co-operation to get the best Brexit deal
0:15:10 > 0:15:14for the people of Scotland?
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Yes.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Splendid.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23The London School of Economics has said that a hard Tory Brexit
0:15:23 > 0:15:25will cost Scotland £30 billion, the Fraser of Allander Institute has
0:15:25 > 0:15:28said that 80,000 jobs could go and a former Department for Exiting
0:15:28 > 0:15:31the European Union official has said that Scotland will be
0:15:31 > 0:15:33get the hardest impact.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35The Secretary of State said at the Select Committee
0:15:35 > 0:15:37on Scottish Affairs yesterday that economic impact assessments
0:15:37 > 0:15:43are available for Scotland.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Will he release them to the Scottish people so that they can examine them
0:15:47 > 0:15:49and know the full scale of this disastrous Tory Brexit?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52It would not be Scotland questions if we did not hear
0:15:52 > 0:15:56from the doom-monger-in-chief.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Let me be quite clear, as I was in my appearance
0:15:58 > 0:16:00before his Committee.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Both Governments have carried out important analysis,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08which they will share and discuss, but this government...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12as Parliament has approved...
0:16:12 > 0:16:14will not be publishing anything that would be detrimental
0:16:14 > 0:16:18to our negotiating position.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20In evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee yesterday,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23the Secretary of State suggested that a common framework should not
0:16:23 > 0:16:26be imposed on the devolved Administrations by the UK Government
0:16:26 > 0:16:29but should instead be the output of a collaborative process.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Will he confirm that that is indeed the Government s position?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I very much welcome my honourable friend s important question,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40which gets to the heart of the issue...
0:16:40 > 0:16:44in marked contrast to the pantomime stuff we had earlier.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48I can absolutely confirm that.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52A UK framework does not mean the UK imposes a framework,
0:16:52 > 0:16:56it means agreement is reached between the UK Government
0:16:56 > 0:17:02and the constituent parts of the United Kingdom.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Four times the Secretary of State has been asked to name a single
0:17:06 > 0:17:08power that will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and four
0:17:08 > 0:17:12times he has declined to answer.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14I see little point in asking him a fifth time,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17but let me ask him this.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19When will the government publish a schedule setting out
0:17:19 > 0:17:21which powers will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament
0:17:21 > 0:17:25and which will not?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Order.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29The honourable member for Aberavon really should not walk
0:17:29 > 0:17:30across the line of sight.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Sorry, Mr Speaker.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33I am grateful for the apology.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35It was unfair to the honourable member for Edinburgh East.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37If the honourable gentleman had not prefaced his question
0:17:37 > 0:17:39with those initial remarks, he would have asked
0:17:39 > 0:17:45a sensible question.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50I have set out that there is a dialogue ongoing
0:17:50 > 0:17:56with the Scottish government in relation to the 111 powers.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I set that out in much more detail at the Committee
0:17:58 > 0:18:02for which he was present yesterday, so I will not repeat what I said,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05but I am hopeful that, in early course, we will be able
0:18:05 > 0:18:11to publish exactly that sort of list.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14The right honourable gentleman s refusal to name a single power,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17or even to set a timetable for saying when he will do so,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20can lead us to only one conclusion.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23That there are forces in his government that do not
0:18:23 > 0:18:27want to see any powers devolved at all.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30How does that sit with his Department s responsibility to
0:18:30 > 0:18:36protect the devolution settlement?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I have rarely heard such complete and utter nonsense.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42I will be judged by the Scotland Office s record on devolution,
0:18:42 > 0:18:50and that means implementing the Calman commission in full,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53implementing the Scotland Act 2016 in full and taking forward
0:18:53 > 0:18:57the return of powers from Brussels, with a presumption of devolution.
0:18:57 > 0:19:06We will deliver, and the people of Scotland will see that we have.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues and Scottish
0:19:08 > 0:19:11government Ministers on a wide range of issues, including fiscal policy
0:19:11 > 0:19:21across the UK, fisheries, and the oil and gas industry.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28My right honourable friend will know as well as I do the importance
0:19:28 > 0:19:30of the oil and gas industry in north-east Scotland.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Considering the recent decision by the First Minister
0:19:32 > 0:19:36in Scotland to abolish the Energy Jobs Taskforce,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38will my right honourable friend confirm that the UK Government
0:19:38 > 0:19:40remain fully committed to our North Sea industries
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and will work with colleagues from the Department for Business,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure the brightest future
0:19:46 > 0:19:48for the oil and gas industries in the north-east of Scotland?
0:19:48 > 0:19:51I absolutely agree with my honourable friend,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and I share his disappointment.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Through challenging times, the broad shoulders of the UK
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Government have supported the oil and gas industry to
0:20:00 > 0:20:02the tune of £2.3 billion.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04We have invested in surveying the sea bed, established
0:20:04 > 0:20:06a new independent regulator and invested in developing
0:20:06 > 0:20:11world-leading infrastructure, research and technology
0:20:11 > 0:20:12through the Aberdeen city deal.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18These are very important matters affecting the people of Scotland,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and I think we ought to respect them by having some attention
0:20:21 > 0:20:26to our proceedings.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28I welcome the announcement last month of the Scottish
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Business Taskforce.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Would my right honourable friend like to expand on what its role
0:20:35 > 0:20:37will be with the oil, gas and sub-sea industries,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41which are predominately based around my constituency?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I recognise that my honourable friend, although a new Member,
0:20:44 > 0:20:49has become a champion of the oil, gas and sub-sea industries.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51I can confirm today that the Scottish Business Taskforce,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53which was announced last month, will meet for the first
0:20:53 > 0:20:58time on Friday.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00The taskforce will provide expert advice and guidance
0:21:00 > 0:21:02on how best to support our most important sectors...
0:21:02 > 0:21:07not least oil, gas and sub-sea...
0:21:07 > 0:21:08and strengthen Scotland's economy.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12I will be announcing its membership later today.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15It is difficult to see how we can support the oil and gas industry
0:21:15 > 0:21:18in Scotland when the Secretary of State refuses to release
0:21:18 > 0:21:22the assessment of the impact of Brexit on the Scottish economy.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Will he tell the House whether the Secretary of State
0:21:25 > 0:21:27for Brexit was correct today at the Exiting the European Union
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Committee that that assessment has been shared
0:21:29 > 0:21:30with the Scottish government?
0:21:30 > 0:21:32When will it be shared with the Scottish people?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I am surprised that the honourable gentleman does not follow
0:21:35 > 0:21:37the Scottish Affairs Committee s deliberations, he used to be a very
0:21:37 > 0:21:39prominent member of it.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I made it very clear yesterday that there
0:21:42 > 0:21:45was a sharing of analysis, as is appropriate between
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Governments, but we will not be publishing anything that will be
0:21:48 > 0:21:50detrimental to our negotiations, and that is what the people
0:21:50 > 0:21:54of Scotland would want.
0:21:54 > 0:22:00Given that, as we have heard, information has been shared
0:22:00 > 0:22:07with the Scottish government, would it not be appropriate to make
0:22:07 > 0:22:09it public and perhaps to impress on the Scottish government
0:22:09 > 0:22:12that they should also do that?
0:22:12 > 0:22:15The people of Scotland should see what the impact of Brexit
0:22:15 > 0:22:25is going to be in order to make a proper assessment of it.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28We are regularly called on to respect the Scottish government.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I respect the Scottish government and this government respect
0:22:31 > 0:22:33the Scottish government...
0:22:33 > 0:22:36That is why we are working with them on Brexit.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39But it would not be in the interests of Scotland or the United Kingdom
0:22:39 > 0:22:41to publish any information that would be detrimental
0:22:41 > 0:22:49to our negotiating position.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues and Scottish
0:22:51 > 0:22:54government Ministers on a wide range of issues, including fiscal
0:22:54 > 0:23:00policy across the UK.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Will the Secretary of State have a word with his very good
0:23:03 > 0:23:05friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer about VAT
0:23:05 > 0:23:08in Scotland to try to help clear up the mess created by the Scottish
0:23:08 > 0:23:12government when they centralised police and fire services
0:23:12 > 0:23:19in Scotland, making them liable for VAT?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I am sure that my right honourable friend the Chancellor will have
0:23:22 > 0:23:32heard the honourable gentleman s contribution.
0:23:35 > 0:23:42This is a question about growth deals in Dumfries and Galloway.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Only last week I hosted a meeting with local MPs to review progress.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48I am pleased to report that we are driving forward
0:23:48 > 0:23:50the innovative, cross-border borderlands deal and hope to agree
0:23:50 > 0:23:53a deal next year that will see investment to transform the local
0:23:53 > 0:23:54economies within the borderlands area.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57I want to hear the question and I want the people of Dumfries
0:23:57 > 0:23:59and Galloway to have the chance of hearing it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00Hear, hear to that.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Will my right honourable friend commit to ensuring that local
0:24:03 > 0:24:05communities have the opportunity to feed their thoughts
0:24:05 > 0:24:07into what the final deal will look like?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10I am sure that the people of Dumfries and Galloway will be
0:24:10 > 0:24:13absolutely delighted to hear what my honourable friend says.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I was very pleased to receive a submission from all five local
0:24:16 > 0:24:21authorities involved in the borderlands growth deal.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24I hope that we can now move forward with local communities being able
0:24:24 > 0:24:32to include their ideas and contributions in this process.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38I think the honourable gentleman s constituency is quite nearby.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41There is a risk that the Secretary of State is prioritising
0:24:41 > 0:24:45the borderland deal over the Ayrshire growth deal.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48In a simple written question, I asked how many meetings he has had
0:24:48 > 0:24:53on the borderland initiative, with who, and on what dates.
0:24:53 > 0:25:00His answer was that he has had numerous meetings.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Will he answer the question directly, or otherwise
0:25:02 > 0:25:07I will report him to the Procedure Committee again?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I am afraid that the honourable gentleman displays an unpleasant SNP
0:25:10 > 0:25:16trait of seeking to create division within Scotland.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I want to see all areas of Scotland benefit from growth.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23At least the people of Ayrshire know that in their new Member,
0:25:23 > 0:25:28my honourable friend the Member for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
0:25:28 > 0:25:38they have a real champion of Ayrshire.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41A question about the joint ministerial committee in the Brexit
0:25:41 > 0:25:45negotiations.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48We held a very constructive meeting on 16 October and I hope to convene
0:25:48 > 0:25:53another meeting shortly.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It was agreed at the last JMCEU that common frameworks would be
0:25:55 > 0:25:56needed in certain areas.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59What update can the Secretary of State give the House on talks
0:25:59 > 0:26:02with Scottish government Ministers on the establishment of common
0:26:02 > 0:26:04frameworks for progressing, and is he able to identify areas
0:26:04 > 0:26:08where the need for common frameworks is anticipated?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I gave very extensive evidence on this matter
0:26:10 > 0:26:12to the Scottish Affairs Committee yesterday, and the honourable
0:26:12 > 0:26:20gentleman will be able to access the transcript.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23When the time comes for decisions to be taken about the fate
0:26:23 > 0:26:27of the 111 devolved powers coming back from Brussels,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30will the Secretary of State give an assurance that those decisions
0:26:30 > 0:26:32will be taken by consensus at the JMC rather than unilaterally
0:26:32 > 0:26:38by the UK Government?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40If the honourable gentleman had listened to my answer
0:26:40 > 0:26:46to the question asked by my honourable friend the Member
0:26:46 > 0:26:47for East Renfrewshire, he would know
0:26:47 > 0:26:50that the position is that although there is a UK framework,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52the framework is agreed between the constituent parts
0:26:52 > 0:27:02of the United Kingdom.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Families are benefiting from real, positive employment outcomes
0:27:06 > 0:27:08as people move into work faster and progress in work.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Of course, and rightly, extra support is there
0:27:10 > 0:27:15for those who need it.
0:27:15 > 0:27:21A question about the roll-out of Universal Credit.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Almost 2,000 Universal Credit claimants in my constituency,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25along with thousands more across Scotland, are stuck in limbo
0:27:25 > 0:27:28after seeing the vote in this place to pause the roll-out but no action
0:27:28 > 0:27:29from the government.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31What is the Secretary of State doing to reassure
0:27:31 > 0:27:33and represent those people?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36We will continue with the roll-out in a very careful and staged way.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39It is happening over nine years, and we continue in very active
0:27:39 > 0:27:41dialogue with Members across the House and
0:27:41 > 0:27:43people outside it.
0:27:43 > 0:27:52We must hear the voice of Torbay.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01What progress he has made on the transfer of welfare powers
0:28:01 > 0:28:05to the Scottish Parliament under the Scotland Act 2016?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07We have made significant progress on the Scotland Act
0:28:07 > 0:28:082016 welfare powers.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10All DWP sections of the Act have been commenced,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13and we are working with the Scottish government to support them in taking
0:28:13 > 0:28:15on these responsibilities, to ensure that the transition
0:28:15 > 0:28:16is safe and secure.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20I am surprised to hear that only a small portion of the powers that
0:28:20 > 0:28:22have been devolved to the Scottish government are being used,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25given the complaints that we hear from some Members in this House.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Does my honourable friend agree that this is yet another example
0:28:28 > 0:28:30of the Scottish National Party griping rather than governing?
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I agree with my honourable friend, and I am sure
0:28:32 > 0:28:36that the people of Scotland agree that it is of concern that we have
0:28:36 > 0:28:38no clear plan from the Scottish government for how they will use
0:28:38 > 0:28:39many of the powers.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41This government are focused on delivering
0:28:41 > 0:28:42for the people of Scotland.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45It is time for the SNP to stop ducking its responsibilities
0:28:45 > 0:28:50and use its considerable powers to do so as well.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55I am afraid that is all we have time for at the moment. Normally at this
0:28:55 > 0:28:59point I ask you to get your diaries out and I give you the date for the
0:28:59 > 0:29:03next Scottish questions but the Parliamentary authorities haven't
0:29:03 > 0:29:05finalised their timetable yet so we don't know exactly when that will be
0:29:05 > 0:29:11but we think it will be early in December. But, for now, from all of
0:29:11 > 0:29:16us here at Westminster, goodbye!