The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Weir on 2014-06-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans his Department has to commission polling on attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence and related matters before 18 September 2014; and what the (a) scope and (b) value of each such contract is.
David Mundell
The Scotland Office has no plans to commission any polling on attitudes in Scotland toward Scottish independence and related matters.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Weir on 2014-06-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will publish the (a) scope, (b) date and (c) cost of contracts for public relations services commissioned by his Department from (i) Engine Partners and (ii) other public affairs and public relations consultancies since May 2011.
David Mundell
The Scotland Office has not entered into any contracts for public relations services with (i) Engine Partners and (ii) other public affairs and public relations consultancies since May 2011.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Weir on 2014-06-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will publish the findings of all market research on attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence and related matters commissioned by his Department since May 2011.
David Mundell
The Scotland Office has not commissioned any market research on attitudes in Scotland toward Scottish independence and related matters.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Weir on 2014-06-05.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many internal reports, briefings or analysis papers HM Revenue and Customs has produced on the taxation arrangements for bareboat charters in the oil and gas sector since 2007; and what the findings were of each such report.
Nicky Morgan
HMRC produces reports, briefings and analysis on the tax system as a matter of course.
More information can be found in the Budget 2014 document and the accompanying publications.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Weir on 2014-06-16.
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the total cost was of production and delivery of the booklet, What staying in the United Kingdom means for Scotland; and what proportion of such costs relate to (a) research, verification and co-ordination, (b) writing, editing, sub-editing and proofing of the text, (c) photography, design, artwork and licensing, (d) printing, (e) distribution and delivery and (f) related communications, administration and public affairs support.
Greg Clark
The total cost to-date of What Staying in the United Kingdom Means for Scotland is £723,501 (plus VAT).
Each booklet cost around 30p to design, produce, print and deliver to every household in Scotland. As is standard practice, detail and spending data will published in the Cabinet Office transparency returns.
The comments made by Mike Weir, the then SNP MP for Angus, on 9 November 2008.
After hinting all summer that immediate help was on the way, Gordon Brown has delivered a chilly response to the one million Scots in fuel poverty.
By failing to impose a windfall tax on energy companies, the Prime Minister has ruled out immediate help for the thousands of Scottish families facing a bleak winter.
The increase in insulation and other fuel efficiency measures are welcome for the longer term, but will do nothing to deal with the immediate problem. Very few households will benefit in time to reduce bills this coming winter.
This whole package is far too little, far too late and shows that the energy companies have won the battle with the UK government. Mr Brown failed to clarify how he will ensure that costs are not passed back to the consumer.
A government with any ounce of sense would impose more measures now, for example ensure a mandatory minimum tariff, real transparency in social tariffs, a speedy roll out of smart meters and introduction of social tariffs into the home fuel market, as well as ensuring that there is immediate help for those facing a tough winter.
Disconnections are rising rapidly, and many on pre payment meter users may self disconnect over the winter as they will be unable to pay escalating costs. Mr Brown suggests customers cut their bills with direct debit but fails to realise many of the poorest energy users cannot pay their bills in this way.
Gordon Brown has yet again proved he is completely out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Scots. Perhaps voters in Glenrothes will remind him before the winter really starts to bite.