ALISTER Jack has failed to offer an explanation for an “outrageous” four-year delay in responding to a report on Scotland’s immigration needs post-Brexit.

The Scotland Office has been accused of putting reports from the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee “at the bottom of the in-tray” with a response on an inquiry into universities published nine months ago also still outstanding.

Following a furious letter from the committee last month, which branded the delay “unacceptable”, Jack has pledged the responses will be published “shortly”.

However, he has not provided any reason for why it is taking so long - despite Cabinet Office rules stating government departments should provide responses to select committee reports within two months.

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Committee chair SNP MP Pete Wishart wrote to Jack last month pointing out the expected timescales, including that only in “exceptional circumstances” should responses be deferred for more than six months.

He said the report on universities and Scotland had been published in May 2021 but more than nine months later “no reasonable explanation” had been provided for the delay in response.

The letter added it was “more astounding yet” that a UK Government response on the committee’s report into immigration published on July 11, 2018 was still outstanding.

Wishart commented: “It is unacceptable that after the hard work of the committee, and all those who submit evidence to our work, to go without the courtesy of a government response. 

“The rules state that responses should be forthcoming within two months: approaching four years is simply outrageous. 

“Our committee looks into the issues that matter most for Scotland: immigration and higher education being key priorities. 

“Yet it’s clear that our reports are still at the bottom of the in-tray at the Scotland Office to respond to. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

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In his response Jack offered an assurance that both responses would be sent to the committee “shortly”.

He added: “My officials and I fully understand the importance of universities and immigration to the people of Scotland. I would further like to assure you that it is not my intention to show any discourtesy to your committee nor to the numerous individuals who also provided evidence to your inquiries.

“The work of your committee in examining the policies and legislation that impact on Scotland is extremely beneficial not just to my department, but other Whitehall departments who also appear before your committee.”

Jack, who is next due to appear before the Scottish Affairs Committee in May, added that he looked forward to continuing to work “closely” with the committee.