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809 Oral Answers
1 DECEMBER 2010
Oral Answers
810
consequence we will get our country back on a sustainable
economic footing, to the benefit of everyone.
Pamela Nash: Does the Minister not agree that the
rise in VAT—the most regressive tax, by his party
leader’s own admission—will hit the poorest in our
society hardest, particularly in Scotland, where incomes
are lower and jobs continue to be lost?
David Mundell: What I acknowledge is that the Labour
Government left us with a deficit £12 billion larger than
they had told us, and that if we do not tackle that deficit
everyone in Scotland will be worse off. [Interruption.]
Mr Speaker: Order. This sort of noise is very
discourteous. I want to hear Fiona O’Donnell.
Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): Thank you,
Mr Speaker.
The voluntary sector in Scotland plays a vital role in
supporting some of our most vulnerable families. The
increase in VAT will cost Scotland’s voluntary sector
dearly. What is the Minister actually doing to support
that sector, so that it can deliver his vision of a big society?
David Mundell: This Government are committed to
supporting the voluntary sector in Scotland and elsewhere
in the UK, but the hon. Lady should tell people in that
sector and elsewhere in Scotland that the rise in VAT is
a consequence of her party’s Government’s overspending.
MOD Hospital Unit
10. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab):
What discussions he has had with ministerial
colleagues on commissioning a Ministry of Defence
hospital unit in Scotland. [26716]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland
(David Mundell): Although there are currently no plans
to extend the existing network of Ministry of Defence
hospital units, I can assure the hon. Lady that the
Government recognise the importance of maintaining
world-class medical services for our armed forces in
the UK.
Katy Clark: Despite the increase in the number of
injured coming back, we have no MOD hospital unit in
Scotland. Organisations such as the Royal British Legion
Scotland believe that there should be one. Will he meet
the Royal British Legion Scotland, myself and any
interested colleagues to discuss the matter?
David Mundell: Indeed, I am happy to meet the hon.
Lady and any colleagues. It is important to say, though,
that many military personnel are treated extremely well
in non-military hospitals in Scotland, where they are
closer to their friends and family.
Employment
11. Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op):
What recent assessment he has made of trends in the
level of employment in Scotland; and if he will make a
statement. [26718]
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore):
In recent months, the numbers in employment have
been rising in Scotland, though overall labour market
trends remain mixed. This Government will continue to
create the conditions to foster sustainable and balanced
economic growth.
Mr Davidson: What steps are the Government taking
to ensure that unemployment in Scotland does not rise
to the level in the Republic of Ireland—part of the
circle of misery? Does he agree with me that a small
country and bad banks result in misery for working
people?
Michael Moore: I am happy to agree with the hon.
Gentleman that Scotland benefits hugely from being
part of the United Kingdom, and under our proposals
set out in the Scotland Bill, it will firmly stay within the
United Kingdom.
Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): Does the
Secretary of State agree that current levels of unemployment
in Scotland are the fault of 13 years of mismanagement
by the previous Labour Government and that the people
of Scotland need to back this coalition Government to
give Scotland a chance again?
Michael Moore: Since this Government came to office,
they have taken decisive action to tackle the issues that
we inherited—a record deficit of £155,000 million. We
have pulled Britain back from the danger zone, we are
setting out the conditions for sustainable economic
growth, and that is the right way for this country.
Economy
12. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): What recent
estimate he has made of levels of economic growth and
inward investment in Scotland. [26719]
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore):
The latest official statistics show strong economic growth
in Scotland in the second quarter of this year. We are
determined to ensure that Scotland will benefit as the
Government tackle the deficit to secure growth, and
provide the confidence that businesses and individuals
need to invest.
Mel Stride: Can my right hon. Friend tell the House
whether those figures support the claim made by the
last Labour Secretary of State for Scotland that the
right hon. Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) would be
a “kamikaze” Prime Minister who would “plunge”
Scotland “back into recession”?
Michael Moore: Funnily enough, I completely disagree
with that assessment. I am pleased to say that not only
has the Prime Minister led the Government’s efforts to
get us away from the danger zone that the economy was
in, but he has set out a constitutional path for Scotland
that will enhance its economic growth and keep it
within the United Kingdom.
PRIME MINISTER
The Prime Minister was asked—
Engagements
Q1. [27558] Margaret Curran (Glasgow East) (Lab): If
he will list his official engagements for Wednesday
1 December.