Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Banks Excerpts
Wednesday 18th April 2012

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend’s sentiments, but as he and many other Members are aware, this Government inherited the worst deficit in peacetime history from the Labour Government, and stabilising our nation’s finances must be the focus of their efforts.

Gordon Banks Portrait Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab)
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My question relates directly to the question from the hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Mr Evennett) and the Minister’s answer to it. Does the Minister agree that the Scotland Bill will increase the amount of revenue gathered in Scotland to about a third of its spend, and will thus decrease dependency on a block grant?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I agree that the Scotland Bill represents a radical, historic and significant change to Scotland’s financing. More than a third of spending by the Scottish Parliament will result from funding from taxes that it determines and raises. That is a major step forward in terms of devolution and accountability, and should be welcomed by all Members.