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The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MPLiberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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Bruce challenges PM to clarify position over SNP's delayed funding plans
May 21, 2008 12:00 AM
Malcolm Bruce asked the Prime Minister for answers over the confusion relating to Scottish capital investment projects
Malcolm Bruce MP has called on the Prime Minister to clarify whether the Treasury has to give the final go-ahead for the SNP's delayed capital investment proposal, the Scottish Futures Trust.
The Gordon MP challenged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons this afternoon (Wednesday) after it emerged yesterday that the Scottish Government has further postponed the SFT.
Mr Bruce asked the Prime Minister:
"As a Scottish Member of Parliament the Prime minister will know that the Scottish Executive has postponed much needed capital investment in order to work up their own alternative Scottish Futures Trust. Yesterday they published details of their outlined proposals for £150m- a fraction of what is required. Can he confirm whether this (SFT) requires Treasury approval, if it will be forthcoming and how much-needed projects like the Aberdeen bypass, which have been delayed by the SNP executive, can in fact now go ahead?"
Speaking afterwards, Mr Bruce added:
"The Prime Minister could still not offer confirmation as to who exactly is ultimately responsible for approving the SFT, if indeed the Nationalist-run Executive finalise their proposals. I have already written to the Chancellor to seek clarification and have not yet had a response. I will now be tabling Parliamentary questions to see if the people of Scotland who are waiting for the go-ahead for much-needed transport, school and health projects can finally get an answer as to when this debacle may be sorted out.
"Commitments to projects in the North-East now face delays of 2-3 years while the source of funding remains unclear. Projects such as Crossrail, the Aberdeen bypass, the Inveramsay bridge, as well as new schools and hospitals all face question marks over timing and funding."
ENDS
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