Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts

Wednesday 6th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Carmichael]

I will be supporting the coalition Government and I am proud to do so, because we recognise that there are no easy answers in this debate and that the proposals from the Opposition will end up putting people’s prices up.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

4. What assessment he has made of the effects on businesses in north-west England of Scotland remaining part of the UK.

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

The detailed Scotland analysis papers we have published underline the value to businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom of Scotland remaining part of the Union. As it stands, the UK is a true domestic single market and currency union with free movement of goods and services, capital and people.

[Andrew Stephenson]

The Minister will be aware of the encouraging economic signs across the north-west of England, with employment up and a recent regional purchasing managers index showing that growth is higher than in any other region in the UK. Does the Minister agree with me that remaining part of the UK is the best way forward for Scottish business?

[David Mundell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that that is the best way forward not just for Scottish business but for business in the whole of the UK. Businesses in his constituency benefit from the single domestic market, which includes Scotland.