§ 13. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people he estimates in Scotland have household income below half of the national average; and what steps he is taking to alleviate the impact of poverty. [56114]
§ Mr. MacdonaldWe estimate that some one million people in Scotland have incomes below half the national average. The Government are determined to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion and we are doing so by a range of policies which are designed, first, to support families; secondly, to provide opportunities for all who can to work; and thirdly, to provide security and protection for the most vulnerable.