Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Hands and John Nicolson

Tuesday 27th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[John Nicolson (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Scottish Government on a future fiscal framework for Scotland.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Hands)]

I am currently in discussions with the Scottish Government on the design of their new fiscal framework. We met on four occasions, and after each meeting a joint statement was released providing details of the items covered. Talks have been constructive, and we are hopeful of coming to a final agreement in due course.

[John Nicolson]

Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury remain committed to a funding formula based on Barnett, as promised in the vow and referred to by the Smith commission?

[Greg Hands]

The Government remain committed to the Barnett formula and to delivering all aspects of the Smith agreement during the fiscal framework, and in the Scotland Bill that is currently before this House.