Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of potential opportunities the Defence Technical Excellence College programme can provide for apprenticeships and advanced technical training, national security and regional economic development.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) will be specialist training centres for students aged 16 and above that will equip them with the cutting-edge technical skills required for critical defence roles. The DTECs will help bolster our national security and contribute to regional economic development by providing a skilled workforce to communities across Great Britain.

In April 2026, we announced the five successful DTECs in England: Blackpool and the Fylde College, City College Plymouth, Yeovil College, Lincoln College and Rotherham College (RNN Group).

As part of the Defence Growth Deals, we have also announced our intention to launch a DTEC in Wales and two DTECs in Scotland, one in east and one in west Scotland. We are working with the respective devolved governments and education authorities in those nations to establish these.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what Barnett consequentials will arise from the decision to cap single bus fares in England at £2; and when he expects these consequentials to be available to devolved governments.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Barnett formula applies when UK Government departmental DEL budgets formally change, not when new policy or funding is announced. Barnett consequentials associated with the £2 bus fares cap will therefore be confirmed in the usual way at Budget 2026.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions the Department has had with the Scottish Government regarding opportunities for new nuclear power in Scotland.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

UK Ministers work productively with the Scottish Government on a range of energy issues and remain open to discussions on deploying new nuclear technologies in Scotland.

Great British Energy - Nuclear’s recent technical study indicated that Scotland has land areas with potential for new nuclear development, but planning policy is devolved and the Scottish Government currently opposes new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on Scottish households of the removal of VAT from electricity bills from October.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government’s recent announcement that it will cut VAT on electricity bills will give millions of households breathing space on the cost of living. Around 29 million households in the UK are expected to benefit from this change.

These changes to VAT apply and are funded for this winter (from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027).

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) will be published alongside the legislation, setting out the impacts of the measure.

Found: Current membership Patricia Ferguson (Labour; Glasgow West) (Chair) Maureen Burke (Labour; Glasgow North

Found: Members in attendance were: • Patricia Ferguson MP (Chair) • Maureen Burke MP • Kirsteen Sullivan

Found: Members in attendance were: • Patricia Ferguson MP (Chair) • Maureen Burke MP • Kirsteen Sullivan

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most globally recognised products and the UK’s largest drink export. The industry contributes substantial economic value and supports 41,000 jobs across Scotland. Whisky also carries cultural significance and plays a central role in rural economies. However, recent global volatility and a rise in protectionist measures have contributed to a slowdown in Scotch whisky exports, while market trends are also shifting. At the same time, the sector is facing a number of domestic pressures, such as rising energy costs and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. This inquiry will examine these challenges, and explore how UK Government policies on trade, duty and domestic regulation are shaping the future of this key Scottish industry.

At its meeting on 9 September, the Committee agreed to inquire into the Electoral Commission's oversight of the funding and governance of political parties in Scotland, and the policies, processes and safeguards associated with the distribution of Short Money to political parties. Further information on the scope of this inquiry will be published in due course.

The Lord Advocate and her deputy the Solicitor General for Scotland each assume a “dual role” being both senior government legal advisers, and senior public prosecutors. There is a long-standing and ongoing political and constitutional debate within Scotland about whether the dual role should be split to better mitigate actual and/or perceived conflicts of interest between the two functions. This inquiry will appraise the case for and against splitting the dual role, and exploring different options for reform.