Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philippa Whitford and Lord Wharton of Yarm

Monday 8th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers of the Scottish Government on the Aberdeen city region deal.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (James Wharton)]

On 28 January, the Government, along with the Scottish Government and the local leadership in Aberdeen were able to announce the Aberdeen city deal heads of terms. The deal includes an investment fund of up to £250 million. This shows the investment going in and the support being delivered for our economy in Aberdeen, just as it is across the country as a whole.

[Dr Whitford]

With the Treasury having received more than £300 billion from North sea oil revenue over the past 40 years, and given that the current low oil price is being aggravated by deliberate under-pricing, including by our “friends” in Saudi Arabia, does the Minister not think that the UK Government should at least match the £250 million given by the Scottish Government, instead of offering just £125 million to help the region through this difficult time?

[James Wharton]

Most people welcome the Aberdeen city deal, the significant investment that is going in and the joint working that it demonstrates between the British Government and the Scottish Government to make a real difference and to drive forward the economy in Aberdeen, which faces some of the challenges of which the hon. Lady speaks. It underlines the fact that we really are better together.