Asked by: Richard Arkless (Scottish National Party - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many national infrastructure projects have been established in Scotland since 1997.
Answered by Greg Hands
More than 240 infrastructure schemes have been completed since the beginning of the last Parliament. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-infrastructure-pipeline-2016) contains a list of planned private and public infrastructure projects and programmes. Almost all Scottish economic infrastructure, including transport, water, flood defence and waste, is devolved to the Scottish government. However, the UK government has made significant investment in transport infrastructure, including £1.2 billion to replace the electric intercity 225 fleet that currently runs on the London to Edinburgh line, as well as £50 million, matched by the Scottish government, to replace the Cross-border Caledonian sleeper.
Asked by: Richard Arkless (Scottish National Party - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent representations he has received on the implications for aid of the 1955 tax treaty between the UK and Malawi.
Answered by David Gauke
No such representations have been received. Discussions with Malawi over a new tax treaty have already taken place. We are hopeful the new treaty can be concluded shortly.
Asked by: Richard Arkless (Scottish National Party - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will reduce the rate of VAT on tourism.
Answered by David Gauke
The Government currently has no plans to alter the rates of VAT relating to the tourist industry.
I refer the Rt Hon gentleman to my comments during the Westminster Hall debate on 17th March 2015.
Asked by: Richard Arkless (Scottish National Party - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the EU Commissioner on Competition on plans for recovering unpaid taxes and preventing multinationals avoiding tax.
Answered by David Gauke
The UK is supportive of Commission action against illegal state aid, including recovery where illegal state aid has been found. This is an important part of ensuring that the single market works effectively and on the basis of fair competition.