Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

What is clear is that the Scottish National party is making a proposition for independence without explaining to people how benefits at current levels would be paid in future, or where the money would come from.

[Mike Freer]

With the average income in Scotland being £419 a week, does the Minister not agree that a benefit cap of £500 a week is a reasonable and sensible level?

[David Mundell]

I do agree that that is a reasonable and fair measure, and constituents in constituencies such as mine cannot understand how the Labour party and the nationalists can promote the idea that the benefit cap should be higher than £35,000.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 9th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con)]

6. What assessment his Department has made of the report of Electoral Commission Scotland on the 2011 elections to the Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

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

I welcome the Electoral Commission’s finding that the Scottish Parliament election was well administered and voter focused.

[Mike Freer]

Given that the Scottish Government did not complain about the Electoral Commission being involved in the elections, does my right hon. Friend think it odd that they now want to set up their own independent commission on the referendum?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 9th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I agree with my Friend’s analysis. Like many people in Scotland, I recognise that the Welfare Reform Bill provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically overhaul the benefits and welfare system.

[Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con)]

Can the Minister indicate to the House how many low-paid Scots will be lifted out of income tax, and how many families in Scotland will benefit from the reform to tax credits that has been announced?

[David Mundell]

I will seek out that information for my hon. Friend and write to him.

Constitutional Law

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 24th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

The hon. Gentleman’s comments will no doubt have been heard by the Electoral Commission and those who are going to produce the information material about the elections to be held next May that will be delivered to every household in Scotland.

[Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con)]

To be helpful to the Minister, I would like to point out that in London we had the mayoral elections as well as the European elections, which have very different electorates. If the Minister—

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. I am sure that the Minister is very grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s help, but let us stick to Scotland.