No decision has been made on the transfer of benefit fraud officers into DWP but the possibility of staff transferring has been raised with DWP's departmental trade union. We are in regular communication with the local government bodies.

At the current time the establishment of a single fraud service within DWP is a recommendation and we are now working closely with HR and legal colleagues to establish the full staffing impacts. The Single Fraud Investigation Service business case includes an assumption on potential transfers if transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations (TUPE) was deemed to apply. This volume was simply an assumption and should not be seen as a target or limit. If we proceed on the basis that TUPE will apply, the actual numbers in scope for transfer would become clearer when formal discussions with each individual local authority begins.

The establishment of a single fraud service within DWP is currently a recommendation. Throughout the piloting phase we have been working closely with local authorities and their governing bodies to understand how best this can be achieved, without impacting on the local authorities' ability to tackle fraud in their area.

Four Single Fraud Investigation Service pilots went live at the beginning of this year and a fifth commenced in April. These pilots have helped to inform not only the model for the proposed future organisation but also processes and procedures.

Many British and other nationals face property and banking problems in Cyprus and clearly for those who encounter such difficulties it is a very distressing experience. While the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is not able to engage on individual cases, we do raise “systemic” issues, by lobbying national and local governments. In the case of Cyprus, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), the British High Commissioner to Cyprus and I have all raised property disputes with the Government of Cyprus, including those linked with the Alpha Bank. We will continue to do so.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular policy on dealing with property-disputes worldwide is set out publicly in our booklet “'Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide”.

I raised property issues experienced by British nationals with the Cypriot Foreign Minister, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, on 24 April during Mr Kasoulides' visit to the UK. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), also raised the subject when he met Mr Kasoulides on 17 June. Our High Commissioner in Cyprus raises property issues whenever there is an opportunity and most recently wrote to Mr Kasoulides on 20 September.

The information requested is not available.

Note:

Statistics on housing benefit volumes and expenditure are obtained from the Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) dataset, a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. This data source does not provide information on former ownership status of dwellings occupied by housing benefit claimants.

Information for housing benefit expenditure in Midlothian local authority area is published at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-expenditure-by-local-authority

Tables: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit expenditure by local authority from 1996/97 to 2011/12.

Midlothian parliamentary constituency currently has the same boundaries as the local authority area. However, constituency boundaries changed in 2005, so local authority figures prior to 2005-06 will not reflect expenditure within the previous boundaries of the constituency. Information for the pre-2005 parliamentary constituency is not available.

Note:

Information on housing benefit expenditure by parliamentary constituency is not currently available, but in this instance the boundaries of the parliamentary constituency and local authority coincide, so published figures are available for part of the period.

The five years of figures available are as follows:

In the last 12 months I have received representations from three MPs, an MSP, a private individual and two trade bodies. I have advised them that I am waiting for the outcome of the negotiations on European Roadworthiness Regulations currently being finalised before considering amending our domestic legislation.

There has been no recent assessment of the The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Road safety standards are covered by other legislation.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional

powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and strengthening the devolution settlement; together with lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial responsibility since 1999.

Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form.

Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998

Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament.

Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012).

Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998

Political parties

The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary duties.

Referendum

A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Financial and economic matters

Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill.

Home affairs

The interception of any communication made to or by a person detained at a place of detention.

The regulation of air weapons.

Trade and industry

Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and procedures giving protection from creditors.

Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices.

Transport

Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services.

Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the allocation of such functions among relevant authorities.

The promotion and construction of railways which start, end and remain in Scotland.

Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services.

Social security

Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home.

Employment

Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of chemicals, explosives or flammable materials.

Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998

Elections

Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force.