Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Danielle Rowley Excerpts
Wednesday 8th May 2019

(5 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I do not accept that analysis. Of course there is concern about the number of children in poverty in Scotland, but, as I outlined in my initial answer, the best way to resolve it is for the Scottish Government and the UK Government to work together and focus on a really important issue rather than constantly discuss the constitution.

Danielle Rowley Portrait Danielle Rowley (Midlothian) (Lab)
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While the Secretary of State gives false assurances about child poverty in Scotland, the Trussell Trust tells me that in my constituency it is giving out more and more food parcels to families and children. How is he using his power to ensure families in Scotland are not relying on food banks?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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The first thing, as I have outlined in virtually every answer today, is to get the political debate in Scotland off the constitution and on to the issues that really matter to ordinary families. The idea of bringing forward a new independence referendum Bill in the Scottish Parliament, which would take up time when the Scottish Parliament could focus on issues such as this, is the problem right now.