Oral Answers to Questions

Brian H. Donohoe Excerpts

Wednesday 4th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Rosie Cooper to ask Question 4. She is not here.

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

5. By what date he expects the level of unemployment in Scotland to begin to reduce.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

6. What steps he is taking to reduce the level of unemployment in Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

Unemployment has fallen steadily since August 2010 and employment has increased in the same period. This is a welcome sign. Supporting companies to create and sustain jobs and helping people into work are key priorities for the Government. On 19 May I am hosting a seminar in north Ayrshire, in the constituency of the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr Donohoe), on youth unemployment, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will join me at this important event.

[Mr Donohoe]

I look forward to our meeting on 19 May. On a another matter concerning unemployment, does the Secretary of State think that the separation of Scotland from the rest of the UK would help or hinder employment prospects for people in Scotland?

[Michael Moore]

It would be an absolute disaster for Scotland to separate from the rest of the United Kingdom. It is interesting that even the Scottish National party appears to recognise that, because it is not campaigning very hard on the subject.