Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd June 2011

(13 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I would characterise the hon. Gentleman himself as a doughty fighter for the station in Stornoway. He has made significant representations, and they have been heard. My colleagues in the Department for Transport will announce their conclusion after the Select Committee has delivered its report.

Ian C. Lucas Portrait Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)
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7. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills about the transfer to the Scottish Parliament of the power to set rates of corporation tax.

Michael Moore Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)
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I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues. The Scottish Government included the devolution of corporation tax among its requests for amendments to the Scotland Bill. To date, the Government have not received any detailed proposals from the Scottish Government.

Ian C. Lucas Portrait Ian Lucas
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On the same day the Business Secretary said that the logic of devolving corporation tax was irresistible, he subsequently said that he fully supported the Government’s position in opposing it. Is not the Business Secretary a bit of an embarrassment both to Scottish business and to the Government, and is it not about time he started speaking to the Secretary of State for Scotland about important matters such as corporation tax?

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Business Secretary and I are at one on the issue.