Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Philippa Whitford Excerpts
Wednesday 25th April 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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The Scotland Office did not gather data on the public. We used established methods of advertising effectively on Facebook. If the hon. Gentleman pays attention to some of the debates and discussions in this House, he will know that many people now gain information through social media, so in terms of the Scotland Office fulfilling its obligation to the people of Scotland about what the Government and the Scotland Office are doing, social media is a perfectly appropriate channel to do it through.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)
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6. What recent discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the effect of the UK leaving the EU on Scotland.

Stuart C McDonald Portrait Stuart C. McDonald (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP)
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8. What recent discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the effect of the UK leaving the EU on Scotland.

David Mundell Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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I have regular discussions with the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues. The UK is committed to securing a deal that works for all parts of the UK, including Scotland.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Whitford
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The Home Office cap on tier 2 visas has been reached in each of the last four months, meaning that applications are now being prioritised according to the salary offered. As a result, the average salary now needed has risen from £30,000 to £55,000, meaning that the majority of such visas are likely to end up in high-income areas such as London, as companies in Scotland, and indeed the NHS, cannot simply double their salaries. Does the Secretary of State not accept that we in Scotland need our own immigration system so that we can recruit high-skilled professionals for our industries and NHS?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I do not accept that Scotland needs its own immigration system, and it was clear at the time of the Smith Commission agreement that immigration would not be devolved, but I will look into the specific issue the hon. Lady has raised.