Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Crawley Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

As I said, HMRC will be making an announcement in the next few days about its long-term plan, but it is right that it seeks to find savings on its property costs so that the money can be used to improve customer service and get the taxes in.

[Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) (SNP)]

3. What assessment he has made of progress in meeting the recommendations of the Smith commission; and if he will make a statement.

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

The Scotland Bill delivers the Smith commission agreement in full. I have tabled amendments that strengthen the Bill and look forward to it returning to the House for debate next week. It represents another milestone in making the Scottish Parliament one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world.

[Angela Crawley]

The Smith commission identified that Scotland’s budget should be no larger or smaller simply as a result of the initial transfer of new powers and recommended that the Scottish and UK Governments work together to agree a fiscal and funding framework for Scotland. Will the Secretary of State reassure my constituents that that framework will be in place to accompany the devolution of further powers so that Scotland’s funding is not adversely affected?

[David Mundell]

Yes.