Wednesday 26 June 2013

Volume 565 No. 24

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Wednesday 26 June 2013

£5·00

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House of Commons Wednesday 26 June 2013

David Mundell: We have looked at the regulations, which were brought in by the previous Government. We very much respect the work of the Scottish Affairs Committee and if it finds that the current legislation is not working, we will of course look at the matter.

The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Referendum Campaign PRAYERS [MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Oral Answers to Questions SCOTLAND The Secretary of State was asked— Blacklisting 1. Jim McGovern (Dundee West) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Scottish [160884] Government on blacklisting in Scotland. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell): I regularly meet Scottish Government Ministers to discuss a wide range of issues. I commend the work of the Scottish Affairs Committee on investigating the deplorable activity of blacklisting. The Committee’s final report will be given careful consideration by the Government when it is published. Jim McGovern: I thank the Minister for his response. Perhaps the most ridiculous case of blacklisting that I am aware of is that of the late, great Dundonian, Mr Syd Scroggie. He lost a leg and the sight in both his eyes serving his country during the second world war. He found himself on a blacklist. What was his crime? He had written to The Scotsman newspaper to commend the then Dundee district council for buying a portrait of Nelson Mandela. Will the Minister liaise with the Scottish Government to ensure that the odious practice of blacklisting is wiped out? David Mundell: When the Scottish Affairs Committee report is published, I will undertake to discuss its recommendations with the appropriate Scottish Government Ministers. Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): As someone who has been blacklisted three times in the past, I can tell the Minister that it is an obnoxious way of going about business. Will he ensure that legislation is put in place to ensure that people like me and many others in Scotland do not have to face such a practice in future?

2. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What steps the Government have taken to fulfil their pledge to campaign to keep Scotland as part of the UK. [160885] The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore): The United Kingdom Government are providing evidence and analysis to allow voters to make an informed choice about Scotland within the United Kingdom. We are publishing analysis papers on all the key issues throughout this year and next. Mark Menzies: Does the Secretary of State agree that the Scotland analysis programme is already highlighting the clear benefits of Scotland being part of the UK, and of the UK having Scotland within it? Michael Moore: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend on that. It demonstrates that Scotland enjoys the best of both worlds, with a strong Scottish Parliament and a strong voice here in Westminster. Our economy is able to benefit from the scale and support of the whole UK. Our place in the world is all the stronger, and our voice in the world all the louder, for being part of the United Kingdom. Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): Yesterday, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce highlighted what it called information gaps, which are a result of Scotland not yet knowing how it would handle business and income taxes and not yet knowing what its currency, its status in the EU or its relationship with international organisations would be. What will this Government do to ensure that all voters in Scotland have the facts, rather than the assertio