Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

John Stevenson Excerpts
Wednesday 14th September 2011

(13 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Stevenson Portrait John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)
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10. What recent discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on establishing a commission on the West Lothian question.

Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) (Con)
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11. What recent discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on establishing a commission on the West Lothian question.

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Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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The commission will not give specific consideration to the Barnett formula, or to funding arrangements around the United Kingdom. We have made a separate commitment within the coalition agreement to look at all those matters when we have achieved our primary objective of sorting out the public finances.

John Stevenson Portrait John Stevenson
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Will the Minister confirm that the commission will consider the issue with regard not just to Scotland, but to the other devolved Assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland? [Interruption.]

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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May I ask my hon. Friend to repeat the first part of his question?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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That rather reinforces my point that there is far too much noise in the Chamber, which is very discourteous. The hon. Gentleman should repeat his question.

John Stevenson Portrait John Stevenson
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Will the Minister confirm that the commission will consider the issue with regard not just to Scotland, but to the other devolved Assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland?

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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I am happy to confirm that although it is called the West Lothian commission, it will look at all the relevant issues regarding all parts of the United Kingdom.