Oral Answers to Questions

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray (Labour), responded to tabled questions on the government's discussions with the Scottish Government regarding a new industrial strategy. Several Labour MPs, including Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North), Frank McNally (Coatbridge and Bellshill), and Gregor Poynton (Livingston), raised concerns about the need for an industrial strategy that supports jobs in Scotland, particularly in the manufacturing and green energy sectors. The Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of Scotland's higher education institutions and the need to work closely with them to deliver the new industrial strategy. He also discussed the government's efforts to support the Petroineos industrial cluster in the Falkirk and Grangemouth region, as well as the challenges facing the Mitsubishi Electric plant in Poynton's constituency. In the topical questions, Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat, Orkney and Shetland) urged the Secretary of State to focus on the potential development of tidal stream generation, which could create a valuable supply chain in the UK. Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat, Edinburgh West) questioned the Secretary of State about the UK government's decision to cut funding for a supercomputer project at the University of Edinburgh, which has the potential to support research in various fields. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill (Labour), responded to questions on the government's plans to support working people in Scotland. Elaine Stewart (Labour, Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) asked about the government's proposals to address the injustice of the mineworkers' pension scheme. Dave Doogan (SNP, Angus and Perthshire Glens) questioned the government's approach to tax policy and urged the Chancellor to mirror the Scottish Government's efforts to have a more progressive and fair tax system. McNeill also answered questions on the government's support for the Borderlands inclusive growth deal. David Mundell (Conservative, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) raised concerns about the potential relocation of the mountain bike centre project in Innerleithen. The Secretary of State, Ian Murray, responded to questions on the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. John Grady (Labour, Glasgow East) asked about the effectiveness of this relationship, and Murray acknowledged the need to reset the relationship and work together to deliver shared priorities for the people of Scotland. John Lamont (Conservative, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) questioned the Secretary of State about the Labour government's decision to end the winter fuel payment, which he argued would negatively impact elderly Scots. The Secretary of State, Ian Murray, also answered questions on steps to promote economic growth in Scotland. Stephen Gethins (SNP, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) raised concerns about the impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU's customs union and single market on the Scottish economy. Murray reiterated the need for the Scottish Government to take responsibility for its own decisions and the state of Scotland's public finances. Finally, the Secretary of State, Ian Murray, responded to questions on supporting the energy industry in Scotland. Torcuil Crichton (Labour, Na h-Eileanan an Iar), Gordon McKee (Labour, Glasgow South), and Richard Baker (Labour, Glenrothes and Mid Fife) all highlighted the importance of the Arnish and Methil fabrication yards in supporting the renewable energy sector. Murray assured the MPs that the government would do everything possible to secure the long-term future of these facilities.