Scotland Office Minister David Mundell has been rebuked for failing to keep his promise to meet food bank providers.
During the summer Mr Mundell told the Scottish Parliament’s welfare reform committee he would be happy to meet with witnesses who had given evidence to the committee about how benefit changes were forcing people to rely on food banks.
Committee convener Michael McMahon has now written to Mr Mundell, Scotland’s only Conservative MP, expressing his disappointment.
“It is time David Mundell put his words into action and does what he has said he will do,” he said.
“The UK Government is in denial on the impact of its welfare reforms on some of the most vulnerable of our citizens. People deserve the opportunity to put their views and experiences directly to the minister.”
Deputy convener Jamie Hepburn added: “The committee has heard some very personal and difficult experiences from people struggling to cope with the UK Government’s reforms to the welfare system. David Mundell owes it to food bank providers and their users to hear their concerns directly.”
The last straw for the committee was a written response from Mr Mundell on October 28 that made no mention of his commitment.
In a letter published today Mr McMahon, Labour MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, says: “I also understand that, despite repeated attempts, my officials have been unable to contact yours in order to set up the arrangements for this meeting.
“You will understand therefore when I say that I, and the committee, are very disappointed in your response which fails to mention this commitment in any way.”