Oral Answers to Questions

Sandra Osborne Excerpts

Wednesday 20th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab)]

3. What steps he is taking to expand employment opportunities in Scotland.

[Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to expand employment opportunities in Scotland.

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

The Government are committed to creating the right environment for sustained economic growth to provide the basis for the creation of secure jobs.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Moore]

I agree that we must do everything possible to reduce unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, which, as the hon. Gentleman will recall, began to rise during the growth periods under the previous Labour Government. Through our measures, including the Work programme, the youth contract and our joint work with the Scottish Government, we have been bearing down on the problem, but I am happy to meet him to discuss the matter further, if he wishes.

[Sandra Osborne]

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Scottish chambers of commerce have today called for an expansion of infrastructure investment to help Scottish businesses? What will he do to ensure that this happens?

[Michael Moore]

The hon. Lady needs to recognise the serious steps we are taking to get the economy back on a secure path to growth, after what we inherited from her Government two years ago. We must also bear in mind the crisis in other parts of Europe. By cutting corporation tax, keeping interest rates as low as possible and introducing specific measures for Scotland, including the enterprise areas in Irvine, Nigg and Dundee, we are taking action to help the Scottish economy.