Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Stephen Gethins

Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

Initial proposals have been set out for the future shape of HMRC. We hear repeatedly in the House about the wish to make HMRC more efficient and effective, but no steps will be taken in the hon. Lady’s constituency or elsewhere without full consultation with all those involved.

[Stephen Gethins (North East Fife) (SNP)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers of the Scottish Government on UK membership of the EU.

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

As the First Minister and I both confirmed last week when we shared a platform in St Andrews, in the hon. Gentleman’s own constituency, the official position of both the UK and Scottish Governments is that the UK is better off in a reformed EU.

[Stephen Gethins]

First, may I associate myself with the remarks about Brussels, having spent many happy years in that wonderful city? Secondly, the Secretary of State will be aware of the benefits that EU membership has brought us, such as paternal rights and holiday entitlement. Does he agree that we should focus on those benefits, not a rerun of “Project Fear”?

[David Mundell]

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman saw the details of my speech yesterday, in which I made a positive case setting out the benefits to Scotland of our remaining in the EU, but I look forward to sharing platforms over the coming weeks with him and his colleagues to make that case.