Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Pete Wishart Excerpts
Thursday 31st October 2013

(10 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
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I am very fond of my own local pub, the Unicorn in Marden, and I do step in there now and again. I reassure my hon. Friend that we are doing a great deal to assist the business sector, and that includes helping pubs by reducing fuel and beer duties. We are also trying to simplify planning, and are continuing to cut red tape, regulation and bureaucracy.

Pete Wishart Portrait Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP)
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The Minister will, of course, have noticed that Scotland has been named the third best place to visit in 2014 by the “Lonely Planet” travel guide. The guide cites a

“jam-packed schedule of world class events”,

including the Ryder cup and the Commonwealth games, as well as our

“buzzing cities and stunning scenery”,

much of which is in my constituency. It also notes that the referendum gives Scotland an opportunity to

“shine on the world stage”.

Does the Minister agree that, without even a vote being cast, Scotland has already won?

Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
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Scotland is a wonderful place in which to live and work, and I am sure that it will put on an absolutely fantastic Commonwealth games event next year. I look forward to my next trip up there. I grew up in the borders and spent many a time in Dumfriesshire and Gretna Green, so I know what a beautiful place it is.