Oral Answers to Questions

John Glen Excerpts

Wednesday 27th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

First, I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new responsibilities. Like the shadow Secretary of State, he knows the Scotland Office very well and I look forward to our encounters across the Dispatch Box and to working together where we can. The decision on the location of the green investment bank has still to be taken. His comments, those of his hon. Friends and those of Members on the Government Benches are strongly made, and I will work with everyone to make the best possible case for Scotland.

[John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)]

6. what discussions he has had with the Department for Work and Pensions on the implementation in Scotland of proposals to establish a universal credit.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

The Secretary of State and I have been in contact with Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions about a number of aspects of welfare reform in relation to Scotland.

[John Glen]

I thank my right hon. Friend to that reply. Many areas of Scotland, notably Glasgow, have suffered from the previous Government’s shameful failure to reform welfare over the past 13 years. Does he agree that, far from fearing the universal credit and the work programme, those areas, particularly Glasgow, will benefit because it will pay to be in work and there will be more help into employment for those who need it?

[David Mundell]

I do agree with my hon. Friend. Our programme is designed to support those who are in the most need but also to ensure that work always pays.