Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on promoting innovation and skills through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Since coming into office, I have had several meetings with the Scottish Government, including the Deputy First Minister. We have discussed a range of key issues including economic growth across all of Scotland, which is the priority mission of this UK Government.

The jointly funded City Region and Growth Deals programme, including the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, is a fundamental element to the economic growth plan.

The UK Government commitment to the deal is for £45.1m, the Scottish Government have also committed £45.1m and with partner contributions this make it a £214m Deal.

The UK Government commitment covered investment in the following: Clackmannanshire Fund, National Aquaculture Technology Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, the transfer of MoD land at Forthside, the National Tartan Centre and skills and employability provision in Alloa.