Salmond refuses to say what currency an independent Scotland would have

The First Minister was today asked for some clarity on the substantive principles upon which the people of Scotland will vote in an independence referendum.

Ruth Davidson pressed Alex Salmond on what currency would be in use if Scotland was to separate from the rest of the UK.

However, during First Ministers Questions he refused to give a clear answer.

Ruth Davidson said:

"The First Minister repeatedly asserts that he wants independence so that the Scottish Government can have all the economic levers at their disposal.

"He maintains he wants to keep the pound but this will mean an independent Scotland will have its interest rate set by the Bank of England.

"However, Alex Salmond also asserts that the pound could be a transition currency just like Australia when they became independent. If so, the Scottish electorate deserve to be told what his ultimate bank note of choice would be.

"Is it the Euro, much loved by him and the SNP, or perhaps he's planning his own currency - the Salmond shilling?

"On this vital issue Alex Salmond is all over the place – he twists and turns his answer according to his audience.

"For almost 40 years the First Minister has campaigned on independence but he leaves dangerous uncertainty on the issues that matter.

"The stark reality is that he has no plans to assume the full levers of financial power. As a result it would be either Europe or London that would be calling the shots instead, and Scotland would have less influence over its economy than it has now."

"But many countries as they become independent from London over the years have used sterling. Australia, for example, after it became independent used sterling."

Alex Salmond, 13th January 2012

http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/politics/scottish_independence_referendum_salmond_claims_links_to_irish_freedom_struggle_1_2055994

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