Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with business and local representatives on the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

I have had a range of meetings with business and local representatives about supporting economic growth in Ayrshire, covering individual projects within a proposed Ayrshire Growth Deal and looking at how the UK’s Industrial Strategy will deliver for Ayrshire.

In a significant step, on 9 August I was pleased to announce £3.5 million UK government investment to support the HALO project in Kilmarnock. This is a vital project that will strengthen Ayrshire’s economic prospects, create nearly 1000 jobs and benefit local businesses and residents.