The Secretary of State and the Scotland Office represent Scottish interests in matters that are reserved to the UK Parliament and promote the devolution settlement.
In particular, the Secretary of State represents Scottish interests within the UK government in matters that are reserved to the UK Parliament under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.
In July 1999 the Scottish Executive and First Minister took responsibility for areas such as health, education, crime, housing and economic development. The UK government retains responsibility for employment, fiscal and economic policy, taxation, social security, benefits and pensions. It is also responsible for foreign affairs and defence.
The Scottish Secretary promotes the devolution settlement by encouraging co-operation between Edinburgh and London (between both the Parliaments and the UK Government and Scottish Executive) and can otherwise intervene when required by the Scotland Act.
The Scotland Office pays grant provided by HM Treasury for Scotland and manages other financial transactions. It is also involved in matters such as the conduct and funding of elections and the making of private legislation at Westminster.
Here is a list of ministers who work for the Department.
Secretary of State for Scotland and Secretary of State for Defence
The Secretary of State for Scotland represents the interests of Scotland in Cabinet, particularly with regard to reserved matters, and supports the smooth running of Scotland’s devolution settlement
Minister of State
David Cairns MP
The Secretary of State for Scotland is supported on all ministerial matters by the Minister of State for Scotland. Both Ministers are advised by the Scotland Office, a distinct entity within the Ministry of Justice
Contact department
You can contact the Ministerial Offices in London:
Dover House
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AU
Telephone: 020 7270 6754
Fax: 020 7270 6812
Email: You can email the Secretary of State (Scottish.secretary@scotland.gsi.gov.uk)
The Scotland Office also has an office in Edinburgh. Visit the Scotland Office website for contact details.
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