Speeches by Burke.

“I was going to ask about your assessment of public attitudes, but you have covered that in respect of the aim towards the energy transition to date and what could be done to build understanding and consent. Reflecting on what Angus MacDonald said before, the unfortunate reality is that we all promise jobs, but then you…”

“Forgive me if I am repeating this question but how do you respond to the argument that lowering the cost of energy and improving energy efficiency is a more effective way of reducing bills than a social tariff?”

“Can I ask the panel for their assessment of how the Government are currently managing and communicating the trade-offs of the energy transition to the public?”

“How sufficient is the available data that would make implementing a social tariff possible?”

“Thank you.”

“I think that has covered my follow-up questions, because the last thing I was going to ask was how much of the increased spending will go to Scotland.”

“The BBC recently announced a £50 million increase in commissioning spending in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. That was reallocated from within an existing budget. Which areas in the budget have been reduced to accommodate that increase?”

“Part of my question has perhaps been answered, but the Government plan to put the council on a statutory footing. What benefits do you see in this move, and what key components should be considered during the legislative process to ensure that a new statutory council delivers lasting impact?”

“I think you have answered my follow-up question. Thank you very much for that.”

“Dame Nancy, how confident are you that Scotland stands to benefit meaningfully from the UK Government’s industrial strategy?”

“To what extent do you agree with the Government’s view that prioritising the IS-8 will generate spillover benefits to the economy?”

“5. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Pride in Place funding on Glasgow North East constituency.”

“My survey of Glasgow North East constituents shows that there is real excitement about the possibility of Pride in Place funding coming their way. From parks and shopfronts to local connectivity, I have been inundated with incredible ideas to transform our corner of Glasgow. Will the Minister commit to giving my consti…”

“How do you plan to grow the community-owned renewable energy sector in Scotland?”

“Do you think that there is duplication or even confusion when the Scottish Government are already delivering advice and funding for community-owned energy in Scotland?”

“I would like to thank the Secretary of State for your response to our first report into the financing of the Scottish Government. In that response, you appear to assume that the assignment of VAT revenues is still possible. Why do you believe this, despite an expert’s views to the contrary?”

“At its next meeting, the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee will be considering options for improving the operation of the Barnett formula. Can you confirm that the findings of our report will be considered as part of that discussion?”

“Our report called for greater transparency of comparability percentages. In response, you said this information is already available. However, we cannot see the specific calculations behind each comparability percentage. Could you commit to writing to us to elaborate on your statement that this information is already a…”

“Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s greatest products, with high demand at home and across the globe, but many are worried about the challenges facing the industry. The Scotch Whisky Association is calling for a multi-year freeze on excise duty for spirits to relieve some of those pressures and to back the wider hospita…”

“7. What fiscal steps she is taking to help support the Scotch whisky industry.”