Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Wednesday 25th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I certainly agree that the Engine Shed was a great project. I have made it clear to the Deputy First Minister that if proposals are brought forward after the election for the devolution of the Work programme, separate from other items to be devolved, I would have an open mind about that.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

Thanks to this Government, those helped into employment though the Work programme do not have to pay income tax on the first £10,000 they earn. Does the Minister agree that that represents progress towards economic growth in Scotland and opportunities for its young people?

[David Mundell]

Absolutely. Some 32,620 people in Scotland have found work through the Work programme, which means they can bring home a wage, support their family and play a part in their wider community.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Wednesday 7th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I think that the proposal to devolve the setting of the cap for discretionary housing payments is a positive step, and I welcome the fact that the Labour party has presented proposals. At the end of May, the Scottish Conservative party will present its proposals following the outcome of the work of our own devolution commission.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

An important part of dealing with housing benefit is ensuring that there is enough affordable housing. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the lack of suitable affordable housing in Scotland is the result and the responsibility of successive Scottish Governments?

[David Mundell]

I do agree with my hon. Friend. She will be aware that since 2010 the Scottish Government have had an additional £1.3 billion in funding that they could have used to provide affordable housing in Scotland. We used to hear constantly in the Chamber about the number of shovel-ready projects in Scotland, but we have not seen much shovelling.

Referendum (Scotland)

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Monday 15th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

As the hon. Lady knows, that is one of the significant complexities that the Scottish Government will face if they bring forward their proposals to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote. If they use the current electoral register, they will essentially allow only those who are16 years and 10 months old to vote. If they wish all 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, they will have to create their own register, and that carries with it significant complexities.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

May I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Minister, as well as the Prime Minister, on reaching this agreement with the First Minister in Scotland? Does the Minister agree that we are far better together as the United Kingdom, and that it is now time to determine the real debate in full and look at the dubious suggestions from the SNP about defence, EU membership and currency?

[David Mundell]

My hon. Friend does the SNP extra credit by suggesting that its members have views on the issues she has set out. In recent weeks and months it has become apparent that despite campaigning for independence over many years—indeed decades—the SNP has no clear idea what an independent Scotland would look like. Now that the process issues are out of the way, it will be incumbent on the SNP to come forward with specific proposals for what an independent Scotland would look like.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I am pleased to be able to confirm to the hon. Lady that the Secretary of State for Scotland will be pleased to visit that facility in her constituency.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

11. What assessment his Department has made of the financial effect on Scotland of independence.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Wednesday 4th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. The amount of benefit that goes unclaimed in Scotland is a national disgrace. The system of universal credit will simplify the benefits system, as well as making work pay and combating worklessness and poverty. That is something that hon. Members on both sides of the House should welcome; it is a marked change from the 13 years of inaction from the previous Government.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the likely effect on the Scottish economy of the implementation of “The Plan for Growth”.

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

Returning the United Kingdom to sustainable economic growth is the Government’s overriding priority. We are doing everything to create the conditions that enable all businesses in Scotland to be successful and create more jobs. Our plan for growth is a plan for the whole of the UK.

[Mary Macleod]

What views and reactions is my hon. Friend aware of among our colleagues in the Scottish Parliament and the business community in relation to the Government’s proposals to support small and medium-sized businesses?

[David Mundell]

The Government’s proposals for reducing corporation tax and for making changes to national insurance have been widely welcomed by businesses across Scotland. Of course, as my hon. Friend will know, small businesses in Scotland have particularly benefited from small business relief, which was delivered by Conservative MSPs.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mary Macleod

Wednesday 16th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I shall most certainly take into account the issues that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has raised. He will, however, be aware that the Calman commission has recommended that the regulation of air guns be transferred to the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament, and the Government are committed to doing that in the Bill that we will bring forward in the autumn.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

6. What steps he plans to take to ensure a stable economic environment for businesses in Scotland.