Calman doubts

I share Douglas Mayer's pessimism over Calman being a solution to any of Scotland's problems (Letters, 3 June). Far from being some sort of benevolent panacea, Calman's intention is that if the Scottish Parliament chooses to spend, spend and spend again, then it's the Scottish budget, i.e. the Scots taxpayer, that has to pay for it.

As we can safely assume that no Scottish voter would accept a reduced service, a rise in taxation is inevitable and is the main thrust of Calman. Full fiscal autonomy is tantamount to full independence. But to what extent do the Scottish people, and some of its businessmen for that matter, understand that all this talk about governments controlling economic levers is so much hot air. If companies don't want to locate in Scotland, they won't come.

Our financial services industry does well because distance from the market is no obstacle. But this applies to few other industries.

There are bright spots in the Scottish economy. But few because of actions taken at government level, regardless of whether at Westminster or Holyrood. It's entrepreneurs, not bureaucrats, who create businesses. Full stop.

ROBERT VEITCH

Paisley Drive

Edinburgh