Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Newlands Excerpts
Wednesday 11th July 2018

(6 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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Rather than reading out Scottish Government press releases, the hon. Gentleman should be standing up for his constituents and people across rural Scotland who get a poor deal on broadband, which is primarily due to the ineffectiveness of the Scottish Government.

Gavin Newlands Portrait Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)
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8. What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament.

David Mundell Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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My ministerial colleagues and I frequently meet the Scottish Government to discuss a range of issues relating to the implementation of the Scotland Act 2016. Only last week, I gave my agreement to a section 104 order for the delivery of welfare benefits. This makes changes to UK legislation so that the Scottish Government can take on Executive responsibility for carer’s allowance.

Gavin Newlands Portrait Gavin Newlands
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I am sure that they are very grateful for that. The Secretary of State has said:

“The UK Government will continue working closely with the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations to develop a fishing policy that works for the whole of the UK.”

In reality, they were shown a copy of the White Paper with no consultation. Will he please define “working closely”?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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My definition of “working closely” is that, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and I met Fergus Ewing, the Minister responsible for fishing, at the highland show, it was very cordial.