Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Bruce of Bennachie Excerpts

Tuesday 5th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Last, but never forgotten, I call Sir Malcolm Bruce.

[Sir Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD)]

If Scotland chooses to vote for independence next September, how will handing over control of the Scottish economy to a foreign bank, namely the Bank of England, benefit Scotland’s economy?

[Danny Alexander]

My right hon. Friend makes an important point. It would be very foolish indeed for anyone to vote for independence on the basis that Scotland will keep the pound. It is highly unlikely that a currency union would be workable, and therefore highly unlikely that any euro-style arrangement for the UK would be in the best interests of either Scotland or the rest of the UK. The only way to be sure of keeping the pound is to keep the UK together.