HC Deb 23 March 1999 vol 328 cc129-30W
23. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policies to reduce the number of people in Scotland who are living in poverty, as defined by his Department. [76328]

Mr. Macdonald

The Government are taking forward a wide-ranging and well-resourced programme of action to tackle poverty and social exclusion in Scotland. Our programme is described in detail in the report "Social Inclusion: Opening the door to a better Scotland", published on 1 March. Further action will be taken forward under our social inclusion strategy, published on the same day.