It has been announced that the Scottish National Party MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, is to take up his party’s Work & Pensions portfolio with immediate effect.

The East End’s representative in the House of Commons has shown a keen interest in this subject since he was sworn in on 6 October, having put down parliamentary questions on subjects such as pensioner poverty, the level of unclaimed benefits, and automatic benefit payment to those who are entitled.

Speaking about his new role, John Mason said: "In my first speech to the House of Commons I said that I would judge all the Government’s proposals on whether they narrow or widen the gap between rich and poor. The struggle against poverty – both at home and abroad – is one of my priorities, so the Work & Pensions portfolio is a pretty good fit for me.

Commenting on the Scottish Government's statement on fuel poverty today (Wednesday) which announced a new Energy Assistance Package Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris said it was a significant package that would help the one million Scots designated as fuel poor.

The package which will be funded by £55.8 million a year – a 20% increase on existing fuel poverty budgets – aims to help increase incomes for the fuel poor, reduce their fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes.

Glasgow East MP John Mason has welcomed the announcement that the Post Office will retain the Post Office Card Account (POCA) contract.

The decision had been subject to long delays since the summer, causing huge uncertainty for postmasters and their customers.

Across Glasgow, hundreds of people had signed up to show their support for the Post Office retaining the contract and that level of people power appears to have had an impact.

In recent days speculation had been rife that the contract had been awarded to Paypoint but the decision to allow the Post Office to continue supplying the service is long overdue relief.

A six month investigation by the Office of Fair Trading recommended the Financial Services Authority take on the regulation of the sale and rent back sector, including ensuring anyone considering sale and rent back is given independent financial advice and that the UK Government clarify the position in relation to housing benefit of those using sale and rent back schemes.

Commenting on the proposal from the OFT Bob Doris said: "It’s time Cathy Jamieson called on her own party in London to do as the Office of Fair Trading has asked and regulate the sale and rent back sector.

"Instead of falling for Gordon Brown's spin over repossessions in England will Cathy Jamieson back Scottish homeowners and support cross party calls for real regulation of the sale and rent back market by the right authorities?

The Scottish National Party MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, has given his backing to fire-fighters lobbying the House of Commons over concerns about rising crew fatalities.

According to the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) eight fire-fighters died in the line of duty throughout the UK during 2007 - the worst year since 1985. There has also been a sharp rise in fire deaths in the last five years, with the 22 deaths since 2003 being significantly higher than preceding five year period.

Speaking after meeting local fire crew at the House of Commons, John Mason said: "Deaths of fire-fighters on duty have risen sharply over the last five years, and this is a trend that must be reversed.

"The public in Glasgow, and throughout Scotland, are extremely proud of our fire professionals, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the risks they take to protect our families and our homes.