Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Mann and David Mundell

Wednesday 4th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

7. What assessment he has made of the level of anti-Semitism in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

Recorded incidents of anti-Semitism in Scotland are thankfully low, but I am not complacent. I echo the Prime Minister’s view that tackling anti-Semitism goes right to the heart of what we stand for as a country. Whatever our politics and whatever our faith, we must seek to defeat it.

[John Mann]

Last week, 15 Scottish MPs attended a briefing by the all-party parliamentary group against anti-Semitism. Given the good will that clearly exists, will the Secretary of State talk to the Scottish Government about how the system of state-funded security in Jewish schools in England could be emulated in Glasgow?

[David Mundell]

I certainly will, and I am very happy to do so. I should also say to the hon. Gentleman that, despite the many robust exchanges that we have in the Chamber, all MPs from Scotland are united in the view that we cannot tolerate anti-Semitism.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Mann and David Mundell

Wednesday 11th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

12. What comparative assessment he has made of the level of subsidy from the public purse for postal, transport and health services in Scotland and the north of England.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

Health and large aspects of transport are devolved areas, and it is for the Parliament in Scotland to decide how to allocate its budget. The Government have provided an annual subsidy to Post Office Ltd of £150 million for the last financial year and £180 million for this financial year. The subsidy is not distributed by country or region.

[John Mann]

Does the Minister think it would help the forthcoming debate if all the figures were made public so that my constituents and others can fully participate?

[David Mundell]

I absolutely agree that the debate on the independence of Scotland should be based on facts and on the issues. That is why we need to move on from the process and get on with the referendum.