"Does the Minister not accept that the recent increase in VAT, particularly on fuel such as petrol and diesel, is having a more dramatic effect on the economy in rural areas? Does he not think that his Government should address that?..." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech
"10. What discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on commissioning a Ministry of Defence hospital unit in Scotland...." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech
"Despite the increase in the number of injured coming back, we have no MOD hospital unit in Scotland. Organisations such as the Royal British Legion Scotland believe that there should be one. Will he meet the Royal British Legion Scotland, myself and any interested colleagues to discuss the matter?..." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech
"2. What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on trends in levels of employment in Ayrshire; and if he will make a statement...." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech
"I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Has he had the opportunity to look at the Experian report, which has received some coverage in the press over the last few days? It says that, owing to the high dependence on public sector jobs and the poor performance in …..." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech
"Given the delicate state of the Scottish economy and the fears about the recovery, does the Secretary of State accept that the proposed massive cuts in public spending—including the huge job losses and the taking of so much money out of the economy—risk a double-dip recession?..." Baroness Clark of Kilwinning - View Speech