Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 12th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

I share the hon. Gentleman’s desire to see a sustainable post office network. Over the past two years we have reversed the previous Government’s damaging policies, and we are committed to significant further investment in the network. I do not, however, see the same level of support coming from his colleagues in the Scottish Parliament.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

7. What assessment his Department has made of the introduction of a 50p per unit fixed minimum alcohol price in Scotland.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

15. What preparations his Department has made for dealing with issues that would arise in the event of Scottish independence.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

The Scottish Government are proposing independence, but they have failed to set out what independence would mean for Scotland. This Government are clear that Scotland is stronger for being part of the United Kingdom and that the United Kingdom is stronger for having Scotland within it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is still far too much noise. I want to hear Mr John Stevenson.

[John Stevenson]

Does the Secretary of State agree that in the event of independence, there would be many unnecessary financial and regulatory costs to both Scotland and England in the areas along the border between the two countries? In an extreme case, there is the absurd possibility of border controls.

[Michael Moore]

First, I am not contemplating Scotland actually becoming independent, because I am confident that Scotland will vote to stay in the United Kingdom. However, my hon. Friend highlights a central issue. The SNP cannot dodge some of the issues that there would be in relation to Europe if we were to become separate, including those to do with the borders. As a borders MP, I think that those issues are as absurd as he does.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 14th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

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]

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]

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

[Mr Speaker]

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]

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]

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.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

The Government firmly believe that Scotland benefits from being part of the United Kingdom, and that the United Kingdom benefits from having Scotland within it.

[John Stevenson]

I agree wholeheartedly that Scotland benefits from being part of the Union. I represent a seat that is just over the border in England. Does the Minister agree that England benefits from being part of the Union, and that it is in the interests of all of us that Scotland and England remain part of the United Kingdom?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 9th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

13. What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister on support for private sector employment in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

In my recent discussions with the First Minister, we spoke about a range of issues, including economic policies. Returning the United Kingdom to sustainable economic growth is the Government’s overriding priority. We are doing everything we can to create the conditions that enable UK businesses to be successful and create more jobs.

[John Stevenson]

If the Scottish economy is to be rebalanced, the future clearly lies with employment in the private sector. Can the Minister therefore give some indication of how much Scottish businesses will save from the Government’s changes to the employers’ national insurance threshold and rate, and of how many businesses will benefit from the payment holiday for new businesses?

[Michael Moore]

My hon. Friend is right to point to the importance of reducing the tax burden, and we are determined to do that. We estimate that the national insurance reductions will bring a benefit of £280 million to businesses in Scotland, or the equivalent of helping 59,000 jobs.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and John Stevenson

Wednesday 26th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

I welcome my hon. Friend’s comments and reinforce the points made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary a moment ago. The priority for economic growth in this country is to cut the deficit of £155,000 million that we inherited from Labour. Cuts in corporation tax, reducing the national insurance burden and keeping interest rates low are important parts of the package.

[John Stevenson]

Given the over-reliance on the public sector in Scotland, does the Secretary of State agree that the Scottish Government should be following the policies of the national Government by encouraging private sector investment and ensuring a balanced economy?