Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Gemma Doyle Excerpts
Wednesday 13th February 2013

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman on the reintroduction of the prevalence survey, but I commend the Daily Record and the hon. Gentleman for highlighting issues relating to problem gambling. He may be aware that the Government are currently conducting a consultation on the links between problem gambling and B2 machines. I urge him, Daily Record readers and everyone with an interest in this matter to contribute to that consultation.

Gemma Doyle Portrait Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op)
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9. When he last met representatives of local government in Scotland.

David Mundell Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are in regular contact with representatives of local government in Scotland on a range of issues.

Gemma Doyle Portrait Gemma Doyle
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The truth is that the Secretary of State has not met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities since 12 September last year. The consequences of the bedroom tax, which he voted for and which risks making 10,000 people in Scotland homeless, will be dealt with by local authorities. What will he do about that and when will he meet COSLA?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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The hon. Lady should know that the Secretary of State has met COSLA within the past two weeks and is in regular contact with its leader. He will be making COSLA aware of the discretionary payments fund, which has been greatly increased in Scotland, and of how local authorities can utilise that.