Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by John Robertson (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 9 July 2008 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Commonwealth Games

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that extensive answer. I know he realises that the Commonwealth games are very important to Glasgow and, for that matter, to the UK. However, the people I have been speaking to have some concerns about job opportunities and investment in the city that might have a knock-on effect on the games. They cite the 40 per cent. cut in funding for Glasgow's science centre, with a loss of 28 jobs, as an example of what could happen if the Edinburgh Executive have a go at it. Will he assure me that he and his Department will ensure that the Glasgow Commonwealth games are properly funded and go ahead as planned?

Answer: I am glad that my hon. Friend liked my original answer, when I said that the Secretary of State has regular discussions with the First Minister. That is more than I do, as the First Minister refuses to discuss these issues with me. He is far too grand to discuss them with an oik from a council estate in Greenock. My hon. Friend is right on two counts. The Glasgow science centre—which I believe has been described in some quarters as a complete waste of money—is a magnificent addition to the city of Glasgow. It is an investment in science at exactly the time when that is what we need. I absolutely deplore the cut that he has mentioned, but I am convinced that the Commonwealth games will go ahead and that they will be a magnificent success.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 478 c1391
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Employment Finance Scotland Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasgow Science Centre
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk