Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will assess the potential effect of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on (a) education, (b) health and (c) procurement in Scotland.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will benefit the UK economy by up to £10 billion a year, making investment in education and health more affordable. It will not, however, affect how public services are provided. Decisions on how to deliver public services for UK citizens are and will be made by UK governments, not our trade partners.

The agreement should lead to new market access for Scottish companies to compete for US Government contracts. The UK will continue to be able to set standards for public procurement.