Oral Answers to Questions

Jeff Smith Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (SNP)]

What recent steps he has taken to ensure effective co-operation between the Government and the devolved Administrations.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

What recent steps his Department has taken to help ensure co-ordination between Scotland and the other nations of the UK in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

[Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) (Lab)]

What recent steps his Department has taken to help ensure co-ordination between Scotland and the other nations of the UK in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I think Allan Dorans has been cut off in his prime, so I call Jeff Smith.

[Jeff Smith]

What is the Minister’s understanding of the application of the furlough scheme in Scotland and the other nations of the UK, given that Scotland is operating under a different tier system and different lockdown restrictions?

[Iain Stewart]

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has not vaporised into thin air. The lockdown scheme extends across the UK and is available whether a part of the UK—or a part of each nation within the UK—is in lock- down or not. It is there for everyone.