SNP MSP and Deputy Convener of the Health Committee Bob Doris today said UK Welfare ministers must come to the Scottish Parliament to answer questions on the UK Welfare reform bill after Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud refused to attend and proposed sending an official instead.

Commenting on the decision of Lord Freud to dodge the committee - despite even being offered the opportunity of giving evidence by video link Mr Doris said: "The respect agenda seems to be wearing thin for UK ministers.

"Trying to dodge responsibility for the biggest and potentially most damaging changes to the welfare system in decades in simply not acceptable.

"Lord Freud knows that the UK Government do not have answers to the very serious questions being raised in this committee so is sending an official to face the music instead of standing up for his Tory government's policies himself.

"This bill could have a serious impact on the lives of people across Scotland. It has been put forward by a Tory/Lib Dem government who are now unwilling to answer Scottish questions on the subject.

"The UK Government should reconsider, send a minister and give us some proper answers to Scotland's questions."

Note:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_HealthandSportCommittee/Inquiries/20111110_Lord_Freud_to_DM_-_web.pdf