Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-15868 and S4W-15876 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

An independent Scotland would signal its intention to adhere to international tax treaties in force between the UK and other States, the effect being that those tax treaties would continue in force between Scotland and that State. There is international precedent for this, the tax treaties in operation between Czechoslovakia and other countries, including the UK, prior to Czechoslovakia’s dissolution on 1 January 1993 were continued, on the same terms as before, by both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

As part of the EU single market, companies would continue to benefit from access to markets across Europe, including the UK. An independent Scotland would retain Sterling as part of a formal monetary union. Retaining a common currency would facilitate continued trade and investment flows between Scotland and the UK, which is in the interest of businesses in both countries.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-15951 on 30 August 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The decision to site the Headquarters of the UK Green Investment Bank in Edinburgh was based on the city’s strengths in finance, the green economy and innovation. These strengths will continue after independence, and the Green Investment Bank would continue to provide essential financial services to Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Similarly, the Business Growth Fund is an independent company backed by five of the UK’s main banks and we are confident that the fund will continue to be commercially active in an independent Scotland. In delivering specific functions, an independent Scotland would ensure continuity of services, including transition from the current arrangements to which Scotland currently contributes fully through taxes and fees levied in Scotland by the UK Government. An independent Scotland would not simply replicate UK structures but would develop services based on the needs of Scotland, best practice and the views of our stakeholders.

As part of the EU single market, companies would continue to benefit from access to markets across Europe, including the UK. An independent Scotland would retain Sterling as part of a formal monetary union. Retaining a common currency would facilitate continued trade and investment flows between Scotland and the UK, which is in the interest of businesses in both countries. The attributes that underpin the success of Scottish brands would remain and businesses would have opportunity to increase their profile across existing and new markets.

The Scottish Government will publish its detailed white paper with positive proposals on the opportunities and gains of independence in the autumn. Material on the referendum and the Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland can be found at: www.scotreferendum.com including published papers and speeches. This site will be regularly updated with additional material including further reports from the Fiscal Commission Working group and the Scottish Government’s white paper in the run up to the referendum.