Scotland is not the failed state FSB report makes out- Bruce

4.16.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 11th Jun 2007

Scotland's position in the Index of Wealth report has been adversely affected by health in the west of the country

Commenting on the Federation of Small Businesses' annual Index of Wealth report which placed Scotland as the worst performing small country in Western Europe, Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce said:

"This index compares a variety of factors including economic performance, employment rates, health and education and it is widely acknowledged by the author himself that poor health in Scotland was the single most contributing factor for the dismal position that Scotland finds itself in this poll.

"While we need to address the health situation across the country, particularly in Glasgow and its surrounding area, we must not lose sights of the positives.

"We must not allow this report to portray Scotland as a failed state especially since most of the country is doing well and is being competitive.

"There are pockets of social deprivation in even the most prosperous areas of the country and poor and deprived people wherever they are in Scotland deserve support.

"The report must not be used to deny those areas of Scotland considered prosperous, such as the North East, adequate or fair investment in their local public services which after all are contributing to Scotland's improving performance."

ENDS

Notes To Editor:

Malcolm Bruce questioned the Secretary of State for Scotland on the matter in the House of Commons Chamber:

Hansard 12 Jun 2007 : Column 635

Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): I echo the tributes to Lord Ewing and, in particular, pay tribute to his role as joint chair, along with Lord Steel, of the Scottish Constitutional Convention that delivered many of the changes that Scotland benefits from today.

May I concur with the Secretary of State that many parts of Scotland are performing well and have the potential to develop more strongly? However, for that to happen in places such as the north-east, we need continual investment in infrastructure-for example, the western peripheral route and a commuter rail service between Inverurie and Stonehaven-and a regime for oil, gas and energy that encourages long-term development and investment. For businesses in my constituency, being part of a strong Scotland within a strong United Kingdom is an overwhelming priority.

Mr. Alexander: Somewhat unusually, I find myself broadly agreeing with the sentiments expressed by the right hon. Gentleman. It is of course the case that we want to see continued investment on the UK continental shelf in the North sea. Although the primary responsibility is with the Scottish Executive, it is also the case that we want to ensure that there is an infrastructure to support sustained economic growth. It is also the case that that has taken place not just on the platform of economic stability but as part of a significant global economy. That is why Scotland has enjoyed such economic success in recent years.