Asked by: Douglas Ross (Conservative - Moray)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the strength of the economy in Scotland.
Answered by Alister Jack - Secretary of State for Scotland
Scotland’s economy grew in 2023 and our back to work plan is working with fewer people inactive. We have achieved this alongside our priority of halving inflation.I’m sure my Honourable Friend was also pleased to hear the growth measures we will take to keep Scotland prospering that were announced at the Budget today.
Asked by: Douglas Ross (Conservative - Moray)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what estimate he has made of the level of investment of the Scotch whisky industry in the Scottish economy in the last five years.
Answered by David Mundell
Scotland's whisky industry plays a vital role in the Scottish economy.
Scotland is home to 128 malt and grain distilleries, making it the greatest concentration of whisky producers in the world. In 2017, the value of Scotch whisky exports reached a record £4.37 billion and accounts for 14% of all Scottish international exports.
The Moray area, which includes most of what is considered Speyside, has the highest intensity of distilling related firms, with a quarter of Scottish distilling activity based there.