Speeches by Burke.

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

“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?”

“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…”

“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?”

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

“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…”

“I will carry on, if the hon. Member does not mind, as I have nearly finished. As I said at the start, the success of devolution can be judged on two tests. The first is about its structure and principles. I am pleased to say that devolution is now woven into the fabric of our nation, an achievement of which my party is…”

“I do recognise the achievements of the Labour Government. [Interruption.] Can I carry on, please? When the SNP Government took power in 2007, they promised to eradicate child poverty, but child poverty rates are just as bad today as they were then. The inequality gap has widened in other areas, too. The gap in positive…”

“I welcome this debate and thank the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Jamie Stone) for securing it. I am acutely aware that this debate is not just an opportunity for reflection on the past, but a chance to look forward. Over the past two decades, the Scottish Parliament has grown, matured and beco…”

“It is estimated that more than 70,000 households in Glasgow live in fuel poverty. The UK Government’s extension to the warm home discount will mean that many of those families receive money off their energy bills. Can the Secretary of State outline how people can access that support?”

“Thanks for that, Billy. You mentioned the 384% increase in people joining clubs. In the north-east of my constituency, we have a lot of venues opening up, but my concern is how they will keep those venues open financially. There is a concern for me there. I think it is right that we have gained something from it, but h…”

“There has been a lot of discussion so far, and my question might contain a bit of duplication, but can you enhance your answer a wee bit? What progress have you made in preparing for the Games? What are the key things that have been delivered so far? Also, what are the key milestones, obstacles and uncertainties that y…”

“It is just that some people prefer indoor, and some of the sports have to be indoor. There are other things apart from sports; there are services that go in and help people. I would not like to see that totally disappear.”

“Is there anything more that the UK Government or Scottish Government could be doing to help you take advantage of these opportunities?”

“Part of my question has already been asked, regarding the strategic ambitions that we would see for the Games—you have already alluded to that, Annette. How are you planning to make the most of the opportunity that the Games present to showcase Glasgow and Scotland’s ability to host global events, and to boost the city…”

“The 2014 Games, which were absolutely amazing, have stuck in everybody’s memory. It was a fantastic time and very uplifting for the city, and I hope we will be replicating that slightly now. People still talk about 2014 and always will. We saw investment in transport and infrastructure at that time and the regeneration…”

“Part of my question has been answered by Billy, about infrastructure and the public realm, but does that include any investments that would not have happened without the Games?”

“Coming back to volunteers, I take it that there will be people who might have physical disabilities who want to volunteer. How do you support that, and is there an uptick in that?”