Scottish Parliament (Financial Powers)

Answer: The Scottish Government have more money than ever before. The current Scottish Government have more than double the budget that the late Donald Dewar had when he was First Minister. I think it important for politicians in all parties in Scotland to find additional ways in which to work together through the recession. We are in it together, and we will get out of it together. I appeal again to the Scottish National party to stop putting its obsession with the constitution before the priorities of our country, which are to do with economic recovery. Scotland will never forgive any political party that puts its interests before those of our country.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 by John Mason (Scottish National Party).

Question: Does the Secretary of State agree that it is useful for Governments to be able to borrow at a time of recession—[Interruption.] ...Does the Secretary of State agree that at a time of recession it is important for Governments to be able to borrow, and that the Scottish Government should have the power to borrow?

Secondary information