Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 19th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

The hon. Gentleman would have a lot more credibility in making that statement if he was not standing on the ticket of a leader who has said that he has no problem with another independence referendum and who clearly would do a deal with the Scottish National party to get the keys of No. 10.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State confirm that Scotland’s membership of the single market of the United Kingdom is more important to Scotland than its membership of the single market of the European Union?

[David Mundell]

My hon. Friend is correct. It is absolutely right to highlight the fact that the market for Scottish goods and services in the rest of the United Kingdom is four times greater than that market in the EU. The UK is the vital Union for Scotland.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 12th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

The Prime Minister made it very, very clear at the Conservative conference that we want to have access to the single market and to ensure free trade. The sectors that the hon. Lady mentioned are very important; they are part of the group of sectors with which we are engaging very closely to identify their specific interests and concerns so that they are part of the UK’s negotiating position.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

12. Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?

[David Mundell]

Sectors in Scotland would acknowledge that they have benefited from the devaluation of the pound. The tourism sector, which saw a record attendance at the Edinburgh festival recently, and the agricultural sector would acknowledge it, but I do not see that as being an end in itself. What we need to do is ensure that we get the best possible deal for Scotland and the UK from these negotiations so that Scottish business can flourish.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 6th January 2016 Commons Chamber

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

The administrative cost of running the Scotland Office and Office of the Advocate General for Scotland in the financial year 2010-11 was £7.688 million. The administrative provision for both offices in 2019-20, agreed at the recent spending review, is £9.240 million.

[Mr Hollobone]

Will the Secretary of State confirm to the House what percentage of his Department’s administrative costs is met by Scottish taxpayers?

[David Mundell]

My hon. Friend knows that the funding arrangements within the United Kingdom do not work on that basis. He also knows that this Government are committed to retaining the Barnett formula, which delivers a fair allocation of funding to Scotland.