Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Masterton Excerpts

Wednesday 7th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

We had an independence referendum in 2014. The outcome was decisive. We were told ahead of that referendum that it was to be a “once in a generation”—indeed, once in a lifetime—event, and that is what it should be.

[Paul Masterton (East Renfrewshire) (Con)]

4. What progress the Government have made on their deal for every city in Scotland.

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

7. What progress the Government have made on their plans to deliver a city deal for every city in Scotland.

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

The UK Government are either negotiating or implementing a city region deal for all of Scotland’s seven great cities and the regions around them. So far we have committed over £1 billion to this landmark programme, and there is more to come. We are currently negotiating with local partners for both the Stirling and Clackmannanshire and Tay cities deals, and we hope to conclude the heads of agreements in the coming months.

[Paul Masterton]

The Secretary of State will be aware that a number of the projects associated with the Glasgow region city deal, including two taking place in East Renfrewshire, are over budget and behind schedule. Does he agree that it is vital that we get to work on these projects as soon as possible, so that local communities can benefit?

[David Mundell]

I do agree with my hon. Friend about raising those issues with the Glasgow city deal. It is not enough just to sign these deals and to promote them; what we need is delivery, and I will look at the specific issues he has raised.