Dave Thompson MSP

Alexander faces embarrassment over bizarre A9 claims

The No parties commitment to devolution has been called into question today after Danny Alexander, was unable to explain his Government’s failure to devolve Air Passenger Duty – and instead made the bizarre suggestion that the way to attract tourists to the Highlands was to allow speeding on the A9.

Appearing at the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee today, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury failed to explain Westminster’s failure to devolve APD – despite this measure being supported by both the Calman Commission and the recent Tory Strathclyde Commission.

The UK Government has already faced criticism for failing to include the commitment to devolve APD in last week’s Queen’s Speech – despite the Tory devolution commission confirming that no fresh legislation was needed and action could be taken immediately.

When pressed on APD’s negative impact on tourism in the Highlands, Mr Alexander resorted to the dangerous claim that average speed cameras should be removed from the A9.

Commenting, SNP MSP Dave Thompson said: “Danny Alexander’s appearance at the Scottish Parliament committee was terrible. Not only did he completely fail to explain his Government’s record of failure on APD – he resorted to claiming that people should be allowed to speed on the A9.

“This claim isn’t just transparently ludicrous – it is dangerous and would put people’s lives at risk.  It seems that Danny Alexander will do anything to avoid talking about his Government’s failures on APD.

“The failure of the UK Government to devolve APD – which even the Tories admit could be done now with the minimum of fuss – shows that the No campaign parties aren’t serious on devolution.

“A Yes vote in September means we won’t need to rely on Danny Alexander and the UK Government to deliver more powers – we will have all the powers we need to grow our economy and make Scotland a fairer, more equal society."

Note:

A transcript of Danny Alexander’s exchange with SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell can be found below:

Stewart Maxwell: But I mean effectively, of course to this coming to the Highlands of Scotland do pay APD, the industry itself, whether that it be the head of British Airways or Ryan air or Flybe or many others including airport managers have said that APD is extremely damaging to the aviation industry. Do you agree with that?

Danny Alexander: Well, I’d say that if the SNP was truly concerned about the flow of people in and out of the Highlands and Islands.

Stewart Maxwell: No I asked about your view on—

Danny Alexander: —You’re asking about tourists coming into—

Stewart Maxwell: —No I asked what your view whether you support that or not—

Danny Alexander: —I’m just about to explain it, if I may, Convener. My view is that if you are really concerned about that issue, you would not be imposing average speed cameras on the A9.

Stewart Maxwell: I don’t think that affects flights Mr Alexander.

Danny Alexander: It’s disruptive to the economy. It is opposed by business organisations in the Highlands. It wouldn’t make the route safer and it just goes to show once again that the current Scottish government is less interested in the economy of the highlands and islands than any other government that we’ve seen in some time now.

Stewart Maxwell: Well, I think that I do have one more question, but it’s clear that Mr Alexander struggles to understand that average speed cameras don’t affect flights. But can I ask the Strathclyde Commission and the Calman Commission both said that the APD should be devolved and they go on to say that there’s no need to, I’ll quote the Strathclyde Commission here “there’s no need for fresh legislation” in that case why will you not promise now, today, to act and devolve APD now since no fresh legislation has been planned before the referendum?

Danny Alexander: Well, that’s something that was considered in the response to the Calman Commission which clearly needs to be reconsidered in response to the various proposals that are on the table. They would only actually be taken forward in the event that Scotland as I very much hope it will, votes to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Stewart Maxwell: Your own commissions have said that you don’t require any legislation and you’re saying that you’ll devolve APD, why not go ahead and do it now?

Danny Alexander: Well, the Strathclyde Commission is not my own commission, that’s the conservative party’s commission.

Stewart Maxwell: And the Calman commission supports the devolution of APD. That is your own commission.

Danny Alexander: Yes it is.

Stewart Maxwell: So, why can’t you do it now?

Danny Alexander: As I’m saying, that’s something that would need to be considered to be taken for under any further devolution.