Written questions by Reid.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the future of industry in Scotland.

I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to ensure we work together to safeguard the future for key Scottish industries.We inherited a fiscal crisis, and in Scotland an industrial crisis as well. Our industrial strategy will be for all parts of the UK.Scotland is key to our defence, technology, professional services, higher education, food and drink and energy industries, all cornerstones of Scotland's strong economic and industrial base.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help create defence jobs in Scotland.

Scotland’s defence industry is vital to the UK’s security and economy. The newly published Defence Industrial Strategy is clear that this government will prioritise UK-based defence firms, including those in Scotland.As part of Brand Scotland, I have been promoting the Scottish defence industry in Norway and in South-East Asia, where I visited HMS Spey, constructed by BAE Systems on the Clyde.I welcome the announcement by BAE Systems that they will be investing £1 billion in education and skills across the UK, which will lead to more than 200 jobs in Glasgow.