Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 18th January 2017 Commons Chamber

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

11. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to hear less from the Scottish Government about the powers they want and more about how they are going to use the powers we have given them?

[David Mundell]

My hon. Friend makes a very relevant point. The hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr Anderson) referred to personal independence payments, to which, I know, the Scottish Government are opposed, but I have no idea what they intend to replace them with, or on what timetable.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Mike Freer

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I note the inherent contradiction in SNP Members’ position, because every argument its members use for Scotland remaining in the EU is an argument that was dismissed when it related to Scotland remaining in the United Kingdom. However, on this occasion I will forgive them because, like them, I believe that it is in Scotland’s best interests to remain in the EU.

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

Mrs Freer, a pensioner in my right hon. Friend’s constituency, would like to say how pleased she now is to have two Mundells to choose from. She is also seeking reassurance that, as a pensioner, she would be better off in a reformed EU.

[David Mundell]

I am absolutely clear that the reforms that the Prime Minister brought forward will improve the EU for pensioners and citizens right across Scotland. I also believe that this is not the end of the reform process. The EU is not perfect, even after these reforms, but it is up to the UK to lead in reforming the EU, not to withdraw from it.

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.