Mr Swinney said the Chief
Secretary to the Treasury has recently admitted to the Scottish Parliament that
Scotland will inherit a share of UK assets.
He said billions of pounds could
be paid to an independent Scotland in cash as many of the assets paid for by
Scottish tax-payers will be physically located in the rest of the
UK.
Mr Swinney
said:
“Danny Alexander has said
the UK Treasury is examining the finances of an independent
Scotland.
“We already know Scotland
is one of the wealthiest countries in the developed world and that over the
past 5 years our public finances have been healthier than the UK’s to the
tune of around £1,600 per person.
“To have a shred of
credibility any Westminster analysis should also set out in detail the assets
that will be due to Scotland in the event of a vote for independence in
September.
“As part its campaign
rhetoric we know the UK Government talks about Scotland’s share of the
debt run up by successive Westminster Chancellors.
“It cannot be taken
seriously if does not also talk about Scotland’s share of
assets.
“Scotland's share of
UK assets will be realised in a combination of ways - through physical assets,
cash transfer and continued use of assets through shared service
agreements.
“Assets located elsewhere
in the UK will be included in negotiations, as Scotland has contributed to
their value over a long period of time. For physical assets like these, the
equitable outcome may be to provide Scotland with an appropriate cash share of
their value.
“We note with interest
preliminary analysis by academics suggesting that on defence alone Scotland may
be entitled to draw upon a notional sum of nearly £5 billion for physical
assets located elsewhere
“The apportionment of the
UK national debt will be negotiated and agreed as part of the overall
settlement on assets and liabilities.
“On any reasonable
scenario, because national income per head is higher in Scotland than the UK,
an independent Scotland will have a lower debt burden as a share of GDP than
the UK.
“Both the Scottish and UK
Governments have signed the Edinburgh Agreement which commits both governments
to working together on matters of mutual interest, good communication and
mutual respect.
“The two governments have
also said they will work together constructively, whatever the result, so we
can expect these matters to be worked out in that spirit of mutual respect and
co-operation.”
Notes To
Editors
1. Scottish Parliament Economy,
Energy and Tourism Committee, 19th February
Marco Biagi: "So, in
principle, an independent Scotland would inherit a share of UK assets, but
negotiations would determine the detail?"
Danny Alexander: "That is
correct."
2. Note on defence assets from
Scottish Global Forum:
http://www.scottishglobalforum.net/negotiating-uk-military-asset-apportio
nment.html
3. p341 of Scotland’s
Future discusses UK net assets.