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No. 16 Wednesday 15 September 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Father John Bollan from the Religious Education Department at the University of Glasgow led Time for Reflection. 2. Finance Committee, Relocation of Public Sector Jobs: Des McNulty, on behalf of the Finance Committee, moved S2M-1672—That the Parliament notes the 6th Report 2004 (Session 2) of the Finance Committee, Report on the Relocation of Public Sector Jobs (SP Paper 189), which summarises the considerable evidence in support of the principle of relocation of public sector jobs, calls for greater transparency in the decision-making process associated with relocation, highlights the need for the objectives of the policy to be set out clearly and realistically, identifies lessons to be learnt from elsewhere and puts forward a number of recommendations for consideration and debate. After debate, motion was agreed to (DT). 3. Motions without Notice: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that S2M-1698, S2M-1700 and S2M-1699 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament. The motion was agreed to. 4. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1698—That the Parliament agrees that Rule 5.6.1(c) of Standing Orders be suspended in respect of Members’ Business on Wednesday 22 September 2004. The motion was agreed to. 5. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1700—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of Standing Orders that Decision Time on Wednesday 22 September 2004 be taken at 7.00pm. The motion was agreed to. 6. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1699—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 22 September 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Debate on the Holyrood Inquiry Report followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 7.00 pm Decision Time Thursday 23 September 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Sport 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Stage 1 Debate on the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 29 September 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 30 September 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport; Justice and Law Officers; General Questions 3.00 pm Stage 1 Debate on the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 7. Designation of Lead Committees: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved—
The motions were agreed to (DT). 8. Membership of Committees: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved—
The motions were agreed to (DT). 9. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 2, 7 and 8 as noted above. 10. Citizens Advice Week: The Parliament debated S2M-1579 in the name of Bill Butler—That the Parliament supports Advice Week from 6 to 13 September 2004; commends the vital work that Scotland’s 77 citizens advice bureaux do in providing free, impartial and confidential advice to all; recognises that in the last year they handled over 400,000 issues and secured nearly £26m for clients; further recognises that such good quality advice on issues such as benefits, debt, employment, housing and consumer affairs is increasingly necessary in today’s society; acknowledges that the use of client evidence means that citizens advice bureaux speak with authority and relevance on changing social issues from both a local and national perspective; congratulates the 2,193 volunteers and 329 paid members of staff who provide this service, and hopes that parliamentarians across the political spectrum can work together to ensure that the service will continue to inform government and meet the needs of local communities across Scotland in the years to come. The meeting closed at 5.54 pm. No. 17 Thursday 16 September 2004 The meeting opened at 9.30 am. 1. Growing Scotland’s Economy – Building on Progress: The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Mr Jim Wallace) moved S2M-1695—That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Scottish Executive’s response to the issues raised at the Business in the Parliament Conference 2004; welcomes the input of the business community into the current revision of A Smart, Successful Scotland and welcomes this opportunity for members to influence that revision; notes the broad consensus in support of the Executive’s recently published framework for economic development in Scotland for addressing Scotland’s historically low rate of economic growth by working to deliver improved productivity, and believes that improved economic growth is key to generating first-class public services for the people of Scotland. Mr Jim Mather moved amendment S2M-1695.2 to motion S2M-1695— Leave out from “; notes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 20, Against 82, Abstentions 6). Murdo Fraser moved amendment S2M-1695.1 to motion S2M-1695— Leave out from first “welcomes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 15, Against 76, Abstentions 18). Shiona Baird moved amendment S2M-1695.3 to motion S2M-1695— Leave out from first “welcomes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 15, Against 77, Abstentions 18). The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 65, Against 27, Abstentions 18). 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Education and Young People (Peter Peacock) and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Mr Frank McAveety); by the Minister for Finance and Public Services (Mr Andy Kerr) and the Minister for Communities (Ms Margaret Curran) and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 4. Tenements (Scotland) Bill – Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1702—That the Parliament agrees that, during Stage 3 of the Tenements (Scotland) Bill, debate on each part of the proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion by the time-limits indicated (each time-limit being calculated from when the Stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when the meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress): Groups 1 to 4 – no later than 30 minutes The motion was agreed to. 5. Tenements (Scotland) Bill - Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3. The following amendments were agreed to without division: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 81, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78. Amendment 30 was agreed to (by division: For 70, Against 9, Abstentions 0) The following amendments were disagreed to (by division)— 79 (For 9, Against 93, Abstentions 0) 22A (For 29, Against 57, Abstentions 0) The remaining amendment was not moved. 6. Tenements (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Minister for Communities (Ms Margaret Curran) moved S2M-1493—That the Parliament agrees that the Tenements (Scotland) Bill be passed. After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau moved S2M-1685—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 2 Committee reports to the Justice 1 Committee by 24 September 2004 on—
The motion was agreed to. 8. Motion without Notice: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 16 September 2004 be taken at 4.47 pm. The motion was agreed to. 9. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1 and 6 as noted above. 10. Children of Drug Abusers: The Parliament debated S2M-1306 in the name of Trish Godman—That the Parliament notes the widespread incidence in Scotland of children whose parents misuse drugs and who, as a result, suffer diminished lives in all kinds of ways; believes that such children, many of whom are infants, require comprehensive care by those concerned with the protection of vulnerable families, and considers that the Scottish Executive, social work departments and other interested parties should adopt healthcare programmes that will ensure that such young citizens escape the blighting of their lives brought about by parents who are themselves in need of treatment and support. The meeting closed at 5.43 pm. No. 18 Wednesday 22 September 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Rev Dr Alison Jack, Church of Scotland Minister from Dunblane led Time for Reflection. 2. Holyrood Inquiry Report: Robert Brown moved S2M-1727—That the Parliament thanks the Rt Hon Lord Fraser of Carmyllie QC for his report of the Holyrood Inquiry and invites the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and the Scottish Executive to consider the contents of the report. Fergus Ewing moved amendment S2M-1727.3 to motion S2M-1727— Leave out from “and invites” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 24, Against 86, Abstentions 2). David McLetchie moved amendment S2M-1727.1 to motion S2M-1727— Insert at end—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 42, Against 68, Abstentions 2). Margo MacDonald moved amendment S2M-1727.2 to motion S2M-1727— Leave out from “invites” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 13, Against 92, Abstentions 7). The motion was then agreed to (DT). 3. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1731—That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Wednesday 29 September 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate: Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 30 September 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport; Justice and Law Officers; General Questions 3.00 pm Stage 1 Debate on the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 6 October 2004 9.30 am Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Question Time— Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Finance and Public Services and Communities; General Questions followed by Committee Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 7 October 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time and (b) that the period for lodging questions for Question Time on 6 October 2004 should end at 4.00 pm on Monday 27 September. The motion was agreed to (by division: For 61, Against 33, Abstentions 17). 4. Designation of Lead Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau moved S2M-1730—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 2 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations 2004 (SSI 2004/383). The motion was agreed to. 5. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 2 and 4 as noted above. The meeting closed at 7.05 pm. No. 19 Thursday 23 September 2004 The meeting opened at 9.30 am. 1. A Sporting Scotland is a Successful Scotland: Mr Frank McAveety moved S2M-1733—That the Parliament recognises the significant progress made since devolution in increasing participation in sport through the investment in active schools and the Scottish Executive’s commitment to ensure that every child has at least two hours of high quality physical education; celebrates the continuing success of Scotland’s sportsmen and women, particularly the medallists at the recent Olympics and those competing for medals at the Paralympics currently under way in Athens, of Andrew Murray at the US Open and most recently of Colin Montgomerie as part of the successful European team in the Ryder Cup; endorses the Executive’s ambitions to attract major sporting events in Scotland, building on the successful rugby U21 World Cup; recognises the Executive’s ambitions to invest in sports facilities for all talents and abilities, and seeks the support of all partners in meeting the challenges set out in Sport 21, the national strategy for sport in Scotland. Michael Matheson moved amendment S2M-1733.1 to motion S2M-1733— Leave out from “the significant” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 11, Against 75, Abstentions 8). Mr Jamie McGrigor moved amendment S2M-1733.3 to motion S2M-1733— Leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 15, Against 78, Abstentions 1). Dennis Canavan moved amendment S2M-1733.2 to motion S2M-1733— Insert at end—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 18, Against 75, Abstentions 1). The motion was then agreed to (DT) by division: For 71, Against 0, Abstentions 24). 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Ross Finnie); by the Minister for Health and Community Care (Malcolm Chisholm); and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 4. Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill: Elaine Smith moved S2M-1640—That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill. After debate, the motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 80, Against 15, Abstentions 0). 5. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1732—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 1 Committee reports to the Justice 2 Committee by 29 September 2004 on the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations 2004 (SSI 2004/383). The motion was agreed to. 6. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1734—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Andrew Welsh be appointed to replace Mr Kenny MacAskill on the Audit Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1735—That the Parliament agrees that Christine Grahame be appointed to replace Ms Sandra White on the Communities Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1736—That the Parliament agrees that Linda Fabiani be appointed to replace Stewart Stevenson on the Communities Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 9. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1737—That the Parliament agrees that Michael Matheson be appointed to replace Brian Adam on the Enterprise and Culture Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 10. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1738—That the Parliament agrees that Alasdair Morgan be appointed to replace Fergus Ewing on the Finance Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 11. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1739—That the Parliament agrees that Stewart Stevenson be appointed to replace Michael Matheson on the Justice 1 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 12. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1740—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Bruce McFee be appointed to replace Mr Stewart Maxwell on the Justice 1 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 13. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1741—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Stewart Maxwell be appointed to replace Nicola Sturgeon on the Justice 2 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 14. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1742—That the Parliament agrees that Ms Sandra White be appointed to replace Linda Fabiani on the Public Petitions Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 15. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1743—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Bruce McFee be appointed to replace Bruce Crawford on the Procedures Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 16. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1744—That the Parliament agrees that Linda Fabiani be appointed to replace Alex Neil on the Standards Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 17. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1745—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Adam Ingram be appointed to replace Alasdair Morgan on the Subordinate Legislation Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 18. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1746—That the Parliament agrees that Fergus Ewing be appointed to replace Mr Bruce McFee on the Local Government and Transport Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 19. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1747—That the Parliament agrees that Bruce Crawford be appointed to replace Mr Andrew Welsh on the Local Government and Transport Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 20. Motion without Notice: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 23 September 2004 be taken at 4.55 pm. The motion was agreed to. 21. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 as noted above. 22. Scotland’s Regiments: The Parliament debated S2M-1590 in the name of Murdo Fraser—That the Parliament notes the outstanding commitment and service of Scotland’s six infantry regiments for this country over the centuries; further notes that the recent war in Iraq was the latest conflict which showed Scotland’s regiments to be a modern, effective fighting force as well as institutions steeped in history and tradition; condemns the proposed loss of one of Scotland’s regiments and the amalgamation of existing regiments into one or two new regiments, with the resultant loss of individual regimental identity and traditions; believes that, in a time of increased commitments across the globe, our armed forces must have the necessary resources and structure to protect our country, deter aggression and safeguard our vital interests in the wider world, and considers that the Scottish Executive should make urgent representations to the Ministry of Defence against these proposals in the interests of the Scottish economy and Scotland’s military culture. 23. Motion without Notice: Murdo Fraser moved without notice that, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended by 25 minutes. The motion was agreed to. The meeting closed at 6.13pm. No. 20 Wednesday 29 September 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Rev Dr David Campbell, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Dunfermline led Time for Reflection. 2. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1782—That the Parliament agrees the following revision to the programme of business for 29 September 2004— Wednesday 29 September 2004 after, 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions leave out, followed by Executive Debate: Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness and insert, followed by Ministerial Statement on Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness followed by Executive Debate on Ministerial Statement on Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness The motion was agreed to. 3. Ministerial Statement: The Minister for Finance and Public Services (Mr Andy Kerr) made a statement and answered questions on the Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness. 4. Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness: Parliament debated the ministerial statement by the Minister for Finance and Public Services (Mr Andy Kerr) on the Spending Review 2004 – Enterprise, Opportunity and Fairness. 5. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1780—That the Parliament agrees that Rule 5.6.1(c) of Standing Orders be suspended in respect of Members’ Business on Thursday 7 October 2004. The motion was agreed to. 6. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1781—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 7 October 2004 be taken at 12.30 pm. The motion was agreed to. 7. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1783—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 6 October 2004 9.30 am Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Ministerial Statement on Efficient Government – Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity followed by Executive Debate on Ministerial Statement on Efficient Government – Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity followed by Stage 3 of the School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Question Time— Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Finance and Public Services and Communities; General Questions followed by Debate on Enterprise and Culture Committee’s 6th Report, 2004: Renewable Energy in Scotland followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 7 October 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Scotland’s International Image 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 12.30 pm Decision Time Wednesday 27 October 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 28 October 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Executive Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 8. Approval of SSIs: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved—
After debate, the motions were agreed to ((DT) by division: For 75, Against 21, Abstentions 11). 9. Committee Remit: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1773—That the Parliament agrees that the remit for the Education Committee be amended to— To consider and report on matters relating to school and pre-school education, young people and social work and such other matters as fall within the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Young People. The motion was agreed to (DT). 10. Designation of Lead Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1774—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 1 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the draft Maximum Number of Judges (Scotland) Order 2004. The motion was agreed to (DT). 11. Designation of Lead Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1775—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 2 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (Conservation Bodies) Amendment Order 2004 (SSI 2004/400). The motion was agreed to (DT). 12. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 8, 9, 10, and 11 as noted above. 13. Development of Edinburgh Airport: The Parliament debated S2M-1723 in the name of Mrs Margaret Smith—That the Parliament notes the importance of Edinburgh Airport to the local, regional and national economy; further notes projections in Her Majesty’s Government's white paper, The Future of Air Transport, that Edinburgh Airport will need a second runway by 2020; is sceptical that these projected passenger number increases will necessarily come to pass; recognises that, while setting aside land for any second runway may be a sensible precaution, it creates planning blight for a number of households and concern for many others and that construction would necessitate relocation of the Royal Highland showground; believes BAA plc must engage with all the local communities around the airport and keep them up to date with development plans at the airport in as open and transparent a fashion as possible; recognises the problem of noise pollution from current flight levels; believes that greater provision of high-speed rail could offer genuine alternatives to short-haul air travel, with the added benefit of freeing up capacity for more long-haul international flights and reducing the need for a second runway; welcomes the development of tram and rail links to Edinburgh Airport and the development of all transport links that will reduce congestion in the area, and considers that Her Majesty’s Government, the Scottish Executive, BAA plc and all concerned should help deliver sustainable, long-term development of Edinburgh Airport. The meeting closed at 5.57 pm. No. 21 Thursday 30 September 2004 The meeting opened at 9.30 am. 1. Centralisation of Health Services: Mr David Davidson moved S2M-1784—That the Parliament is opposed to the centralisation of health services across Scotland; notes the threat facing many local hospital services including those at Caithness General Hospital, Western Isles Hospital, Lorne and Islands District General Hospital, Belford Hospital, Inverclyde Royal Hospital, the Vale of Leven Hospital, St John’s Hospital, Stobhill Hospital, the Victoria Infirmary, the Western Infirmary, Wishaw General Hospital, Hairmyres Hospital, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, Queen Mother’s Hospital, Ayr Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary, Forth Park Hospital, Queen Margaret Hospital, Stirling Royal Infirmary, Falkirk Royal Infirmary, Monklands Hospital and Balfour Hospital and the additional threat to many community and long-term care hospitals right across Scotland; believes that this is part of a strategy of centralising services at a handful of elite hospitals which has led to uproar from coast to coast over hospital reorganisation plans, and therefore has no confidence in the ability of the Minister for Health and Community Care to devise and implement a strategy for the NHS which serves the needs of local communities throughout Scotland. The Minister for Health and Community Care (Malcolm Chisholm) moved amendment S2M-1784.3 to motion S2M-1784— Leave out from “is opposed” to end and insert—
Shona Robison moved amendment S2M-1784.2 to motion S2M-1784— Leave out from “is opposed” to end and insert—
Carolyn Leckie moved amendment S2M-1784.1 to motion S2M-1784— Leave out from “is opposed” to end and insert—
After debate, amendment S2M-1784.3 was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 66, Against 59, Abstentions 0). As a result amendments S2M-1784.2 and S2M-1784.1 were pre-empted. The motion as amended was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 66, Against 54, Abstentions 5). Accordingly the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament acknowledges public concern about the extent of proposed centralisation of health services across Scotland; believes that improvement is essential to ensure that all patients have access to both high-quality specialist services and appropriate medical care delivered locally; recognises that NHS boards must pursue clinical strategies which demonstrate regional planning; notes that boundaries are irrelevant to patients; welcomes the determination of the Scottish Executive to develop the planning of healthcare services across NHS board boundaries, within the context of a national strategy; notes the work of the Parliament’s Health Committee on this issue; welcomes the decision of the Minister for Health and Community Care to make no decision on new proposals for service change that come before him until such times as the Expert Advisory Group chaired by Professor David Kerr has reported; notes that this provides an opportunity to debate what services are best provided locally, regionally and nationally and that the presumption in the interim is that services will be maintained unless there are genuine issues of clinical safety, agreed by the Minister; affirms the Executive policy outlined in Partnership for Care that the patient must be at the centre of the process, and supports a patient-centred policy that acknowledges safety and quality and that also ensures that as many services as possible are provided locally. 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Mr Jim Wallace) and the Minister for Transport (Nicol Stephen); by the Minister for Justice (Cathy Jamieson); and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 4. Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1: The Minister for Finance and Public Services (Mr Andy Kerr) moved S2M-1079—That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill. After debate, the motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 105, Against 20, Abstentions 0). 5. Business Motion: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1776—That the Parliament agrees that—
The motion was agreed to. 6. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1772—That the Parliament agrees that Richard Lochhead be appointed to replace Roseanna Cunningham on the Environment and Rural Development Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1790—That the Parliament agrees that Mr John Swinney be appointed to replace Mr Andrew Welsh as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Audit Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1791—That the Parliament agrees that Ms Sandra White be appointed to replace Shona Robison as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Communities Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 9. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1792—That the Parliament agrees that Michael Matheson be appointed to replace Tricia Marwick as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Education Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 10. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1793—That the Parliament agrees that Linda Fabiani be appointed to replace Tricia Marwick as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Equal Opportunities Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 11. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1794—That the Parliament agrees that Richard Lochhead be appointed to replace Nicola Sturgeon as the Scottish National Party substitute on the European and External Relations Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 12. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1795—That the Parliament agrees that Alex Neil be appointed to replace Mr Adam Ingram as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Finance Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 13. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1796—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Stewart Maxwell be appointed to replace Ms Sandra White as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Health Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 14. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1797—That the Parliament agrees that Brian Adam be appointed to replace Roseanna Cunningham as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Justice 1 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 15. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1798—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Kenny MacAskill be appointed to replace Michael Matheson as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Justice 2 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 16. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1799—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Bruce McFee be appointed to replace Mr Kenny MacAskill as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Local Government and Transport Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 17. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1800—That the Parliament agrees that Tricia Marwick be appointed to replace Linda Fabiani as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Procedures Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 18. Substitution on Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1801—That the Parliament agrees that Stewart Stevenson be appointed to replace Bruce Crawford as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Subordinate Legislation Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 19. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1803—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Rob Gibson be appointed to replace Michael Matheson on the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 20. Membership of Committee: Patricia Ferguson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1805—That the Parliament agrees that Helen Eadie be appointed to replace Dr Sylvia Jackson on the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 21. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 as noted above. 22. Increasing Gender Pay Gap: The Parliament debated S2M-1410 in the name of Ms Sandra White—That the Parliament notes with concern the result of research by PayFinder.com which indicates that the gender pay gap is getting wider, that it has increased by 5% in the last year and that the gap is now 29% in Scotland and believes that this is an unacceptable situation and that the Scottish Executive has a duty to investigate the matter and bring forward proposals to close the gap. The meeting closed at 5.59 pm. No. 22 Wednesday 6 October 2004 The meeting opened at 9 30 am. 1. Time for Reflection: Mr Graeme Sinclair, Deaf Action led Time for Reflection. 2. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1824—That the Parliament agrees the following revision to the programme of business for 6 October 2004— Wednesday 6 October 2004 after, 9.30 am Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions leave out, followed by Ministerial Statement on Efficient Government – Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity followed by Executive Debate on Ministerial Statement on Efficient Government – Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity and insert, followed by First Minister’s Motion to appoint a Minister followed by First Minister’s Motion to appoint Junior Scottish Ministers The motion was agreed to. 3. School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill – Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1825—That the Parliament agrees that, during Stage 3 of the School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill, debate on each part of the proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion by the time-limits indicated (each time-limit being calculated from when the Stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when the meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress): Groups 1 and 2 – no later than 30 minutes The motion was agreed to. 4. Appointment of Minister: The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell) moved S2M-1822—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Tom McCabe be appointed as a Minister. After debate, the motion was agreed to (by division: For 62, Against 36, Abstentions 4. 5. Appointment of Junior Scottish Ministers: The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell) moved S2M-1823—That the Parliament agrees that Rhona Brankin and Johann Lamont be appointed as junior Scottish Ministers. Shona Robison moved amendment S2M-1823.2 to motion S2M-1823— Leave out “Rhona Brankin and”. After debate, the amendment was disagreed to (by division: For 35, Against 67, Abstentions 7). Bill Aitken moved amendment S2M-1823.1 to motion S2M-1823— Leave out “and Johann Lamont”. After debate, the amendment was disagreed to (by division: For 36, Against 66, Abstentions 7). The motion was then agreed to (by division: For 67, Against 36, Abstentions 6). 6. School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3. The following amendments were agreed to without division: 7, 8, 9 and 10. Amendment 1 was disagreed to (by division: For 35, Against 59, Abstentions 0). Other amendments were not moved. 7. School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Minister for Education and Young People (Peter Peacock) moved S2M-1813—That the Parliament agrees that the School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill be passed. After debate, motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 68, Against 51, Abstentions 0). 8. Closure of Telephone Boxes by BT: The Parliament debated S2M-1706 in the name of Bruce Crawford—That the Parliament recognises the value of public telephone boxes as an important public service throughout Scotland in terms of social need and access to emergency services; is concerned about the plans by British Telecom (BT) to close 165 call boxes in towns and villages throughout mid-Scotland and Fife and around 1,000 around Scotland; supports the many community councils who have expressed grave concern at the planned closure of public call boxes in their communities; considers the consultation process conducted by BT to be inadequate, and therefore believes that BT should consult directly with the communities affected and reconsider its plans. 9. Motion without Notice: Bruce Crawford moved without notice that, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended by 15 minutes. The motion was agreed to. 10. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Education and Young People (Peter Peacock) and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Patricia Ferguson); by the Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform (Mr Tom McCabe) and the Minister for Communities (Malcolm Chisholm); and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 11. Enterprise and Culture Committee, Renewable Energy in Scotland: Mike Watson, on behalf of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, moved S2M-1762—That the Parliament commends the 6th Report 2004 (Session 2) of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, Renewable Energy in Scotland, including its support for the Scottish Executive’s ambitious renewable energy targets; recognises that, if the targets are to be met, further development of all sources of renewable energy will be necessary, and urges the Executive to take active steps to ensure that the targets are met from a range of renewable sources including wind, wave, tidal, solar and bio-mass, that energy efficiency measures continue to increase and that the current planning regime is kept under review to facilitate this. After debate, motion was agreed to (DT). 12. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1826—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 27 October 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 28 October 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Executive Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 3 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 4 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport; Justice and Law Officers; General Questions 3.00 pm Executive Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 13. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1827—That the Parliament agrees—
The motion was agreed to. 14. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1828—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Housing Grants (Assessment of Contributions) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 15. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1829—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Freedom of Information (Fees for Required Disclosure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 16. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 7, 11, 14 and 15 as noted above. 17. Reserved Contracts to Support Remploy: The Parliament debated S2M-1406 in the name of Helen Eadie—That the Parliament recognises the work of Remploy in Scotland in supporting 700 people with special needs in employment and congratulates the organisation on its training and development programme which has seen the creation of dedicated learning rooms at all 10 of its employment sites, with 275 employees currently undertaking skills training in language and mathematics and a further 135 involved in other learning activity, and a commitment of at least 5% of working time over a year to be dedicated to personal development; notes that this programme has been implemented in just over two years, and believes that the Scottish Executive and all publicly-funded organisations should examine their procurement policies with a view to reserving contracts for supported employment organisations such as those working with Remploy. The meeting closed at 5.33 pm. No. 23 Thursday 7 October 2004 The meeting opened at 9.30 am. 1. Scotland’s International Image: The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell) moved S2M-1831—That the Parliament shares the Scottish Executive’s ambitions to build relationships across national and regional boundaries to deliver social, political, cultural and economic gain; welcomes efforts to promote Scotland’s international image and to attract people to visit, live, work, study and do business in Scotland; acknowledges the importance of promoting Scotland’s interests overseas; agrees that Scotland has a role in meeting the shared responsibilities of the international community, and welcomes the publication of the Executive’s first international strategy. Nicola Sturgeon moved amendment S2M-1831.2 to motion S2M-1831— Leave out from “shares” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 30, Against 80, Abstentions 3). David McLetchie moved amendment S2M-1831.3 to motion S2M-1831— Leave out from second “welcomes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 25, Against 65, Abstentions 23). The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 82, Against 3, Abstentions 28). 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Membership of Committee: Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau moved S2M-1833—That the Parliament agrees that Mrs Mary Mulligan be appointed to replace Bill Butler on the Justice 1 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 4. Membership of Committee: Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau moved S2M-1834—That the Parliament agrees that Bill Butler be appointed to replace Karen Whitefield on the Justice 2 Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 5. Membership of Committee: Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau moved S2M-1835—That the Parliament agrees that Karen Whitefield be appointed to replace Johann Lamont on the Communities Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 6. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 3, 4 and 5 as noted above. The meeting closed at 12.39 pm. No. 24 Wednesday 27 October 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Rev Pauline Steenbergen from Peterhead led Time for Reflection. 2. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1894—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 27 October 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Tackling Drugs Misuse – Protecting Scotland’s Communities followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business - Debate on the subject of S2M-1655 Mr John Swinney: Young Carers in Scotland Thursday 28 October 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Improving the Quality and Availability of Scotland’s Housing 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Executive Debate on Making the Most of Scotland’s Forests followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business - Debate on the subject of S2M-1807 Marilyn Livingstone: National Construction Week, 6 to 13 October 2004 The motion was agreed to. 3. Tackling Drugs Misuse: Protecting Scotland’s Communities: The Minister for Justice (Cathy Jamieson) moved S2M-1882—That the Parliament commends the Scottish Executive’s integrated approach to reducing the supply of drugs and protecting communities from drug-related offending, improving education and information for young people about the risks from drugs and increasing the range and effectiveness of local drug treatment and rehabilitation services to help people to become free from drug dependence. Stewart Stevenson moved amendment S2M-1882.1 to motion S2M-1882— Leave out from “commends” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 39, Against 62, Abstentions 18). Miss Annabel Goldie moved amendment S2M-1882.2 to motion S2M-1882— Leave out from “commends” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 19, Against 100, Abstentions 0). Ms Rosemary Byrne moved amendment S2M-1882.3 to motion S2M-1882— Leave out from “commends” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 39, Against 61, Abstentions 18). The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 88, Against 24, Abstentions 7). 4. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1895—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 3 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Schools followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 4 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish National Party Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport; Justice and Law Officers; General Questions 3.00 pm Ministerial Statement on Youth Justice followed by Executive Debate on Domestic Abuse followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 10 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Finance and Public Services and Communities; General Questions 3.00 pm Committee Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 5. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1884—That the Parliament agrees that the Fishing Vessels (Satellite-tracking Devices) (Scotland) Scheme 2004 (SSI 2004/379) be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 6. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1885—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Modification of National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000) Order 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1886—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Functions Exercisable in or as Regards Scotland) Order 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1887—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 9. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1888—That the Parliament agrees that the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (West Coast) (No.10) (Scotland) Order 2004 (SSI 2004/412) be approved. After debate, the motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 69, Against 25, Abstentions 25). 10. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1889—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 1 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the International Criminal Court (Enforcement of Fines, Forfeiture and Reparation Orders) (Scotland) (Revocation) Regulations 2004 (SSI 2004/437). The motion was agreed to (DT). 11. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1890—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 2 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the Victim Notification (Prescribed Offences) (Scotland) Order 2004 (SSI 2004/411). The motion was agreed to (DT). 12. Membership of Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1892—That the Parliament agrees that Alasdair Morgan be appointed to replace Stewart Stevenson on the Edinburgh Tram (Line Two) Bill Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 13. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 as noted above. 14. Young Carers in Scotland: The Parliament debated S2M-1655 in the name of Mr John Swinney—That the Parliament notes with concern the recent report from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers recording the very high number of young people providing care to parents, brothers and sisters and other family members; warmly applauds the young people who give so much of their time, energy and emotion to support their family; pays tribute to the network of projects that provide support for the education, future development and quality of life of young carers in Scotland, and considers that the Scottish Executive should continue to expand support for young carers in Scotland. 15. Motion without Notice: Mrs Margaret Ewing moved without notice that, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended by 20 minutes. The meeting closed at 6.23 pm. No.25 Thursday 28 October 2004 The meeting opened at 9.31 am. 1. Improving the Quality and Availability of Scotland’s Housing: The Minister for Communities (Malcolm Chisholm) moved S2M-1898—That the Parliament endorses the Scottish Executive’s commitment to a 30% increase in affordable housing provision by 2007-08 in order to increase the availability of social rented accommodation for homeless people, reduce pressure on waiting lists and help first-time buyers on to the housing ladder; welcomes the introduction of the Housing Quality Standard and the improvements in housing quality that are resulting from substantial community ownership and fuel poverty programmes; recognises the major achievements flowing from devolution for housing in Scotland, such as a modernised and single tenancy in the social rented sector, progressive homelessness legislation and the development of tenant participation and rights, and looks forward to the forthcoming Housing Bill which will raise standards in the private housing sector and strengthen the rights of private sector tenants. Christine Grahame moved amendment S2M-1898.1 to motion S2M-1898— Leave out from “endorses” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 36, Against 79, Abstentions 0). Bill Aitken moved amendment S2M-1898.2 to motion S2M-1898— Leave out from “endorses” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 16, Against 98, Abstentions 2). Shiona Baird moved amendment S2M-1898.4 to motion S2M-1898— Leave out from “endorses” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 37, Against 79, Abstentions 0). The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 66, Against 20, Abstentions 30). 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Ross Finnie); by the Minister for Health and Community Care (Mr Andy Kerr); and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 4. Making the Most of Scotland’s Forests: The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Lewis Macdonald) moved S2M-1899—That the Parliament recognises the significant contribution which Scotland’s forestry and primary wood processing sector makes to the economy, tourism and jobs; recognises the environmental benefits of the creation and restoration of more than 8,600 hectares of native woodland in the last two years; believes that Scotland’s forests can contribute to the achievement of the Scottish Executive’s renewable energy targets; welcomes the contribution made to delivering greater benefits to communities through 70 partnership agreements between Forestry Commission Scotland and communities and through the setting up of the regional forestry forums and the Strategic Timber Transport Fund, and believes that all stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary sectors should continue to work together to maximise the value of forestry to the economy, the environment and the people of Scotland. Richard Lochhead moved amendment S2M-1899.1 to motion S2M-1899— Insert at end—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 48, Against 67, Abstentions 0). Alex Fergusson moved amendment S2M-1899.2 to motion S2M-1899— Insert at end—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 17, Against 71, Abstentions 28). The motion was then agreed to (DT). 5. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1891—That the Parliament agrees—
The motion was agreed to. 6. Membership of Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1905—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Frank McAveety be appointed to replace Rhona Brankin on the Education Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Membership of Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1906—That the Parliament agrees that Mrs Mary Mulligan be appointed to replace Rhona Brankin on the Audit Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Substitution on Committees: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1907—That the Parliament agrees that Margaret Jamieson be appointed to replace Rhona Brankin as the Labour Party substitute on the Enterprise and Culture Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 9. Membership of Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1908—That the Parliament agrees that Mr Frank McAveety be appointed to replace Kate Maclean on the Finance Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 10. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as noted above. 11. National Construction Week, 6 to 13 October 2004: The Parliament debated S2M-1807 in the name of Marilyn Livingstone—That the Parliament supports National Construction Week from 6 to 13 October 2004 and recognises the many economic advantages for Scotland that an expanding construction industry will bring, notably in employment preservation and creation, training, skills and provision of the built environment; acknowledges the continuing work of the Cross Party Group on Construction which considers and debates all appropriate issues concerning the structure and operation of the construction industry in Scotland as they may affect all relevant stakeholders; supports the industry’s schemes to register construction firms through the Construction Licensing Executive and workers through approved registration schemes, thereby protecting the public by eradicating rogue traders, enhancing the industry’s image and improving the skills base and health and safety practices, and acknowledges that the Scottish Executive, local authorities and other government bodies can assist by supporting registration schemes by insisting that all public works contractors are committed to them, supporting the education and training infrastructure so that it meets Scotland’s construction requirements, acting as an enlightened client by ensuring, where possible, that there are advance programmes of work on which the industry can plan its skills requirements and provide its workforce with security of employment and ensuring that public works contracts are fair, open, effective and straightforward to administer and deliver. The meeting closed at 5.54 pm. No. 26 Wednesday 3 November 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Rev Dr Iain D. Campbell, Free Church, Back, Isle of Lewis led Time for Reflection. 2. Ambitious, Excellent Schools: The Minister for Education and Young People (Peter Peacock) moved S2M-1925—That the Parliament supports the Scottish Executive’s agenda for the most comprehensive modernisation programme in Scottish schools for a generation, as described in Ambitious, Excellent Schools, which builds on the investment and success in education over recent years and sets out plans to bring a transformation in ambition and achievement through higher expectations for schools and school leadership, greater freedom for teachers and schools, more choice for pupils and better support for learning so that the individual needs of young people can be better met, and tough, intelligent accountabilities to drive improvement. Fiona Hyslop moved amendment S2M-1925.2 to motion S2M-1925— Leave out from “supports” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 34, Against 81, Abstentions 0). Lord James Douglas-Hamilton moved amendment S2M-1925.1 to motion S2M-1925— Leave out from “supports” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 18, Against 95, Abstentions 2). Ms Rosemary Byrne moved amendment S2M-1925.3 to motion S2M-1925— Leave out from “supports” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 11, Against 81, Abstentions 23). The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 69, Against 20, Abstentions 26). 3. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1939—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 10 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Finance and Public Services and Communities; General Questions 3.00 pm Procedures Committee Debate on its 6th Report 2004: A New Procedure for Members’ Bills and on its 7th Report 2004: Timescales and Stages of Bills followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 17 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 18 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Fire (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Fire (Scotland) Bill 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 3 of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 4. Approval of SSI: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1928—That the Parliament agrees that the draft Maximum Number of Judges (Scotland) Order 2004 be approved. The motion was agreed to (DT). 5. Approval of SSIs: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved—
After debate, the motions were agreed to ((DT) by division: For 72, Against 18, Abstentions 25). 6. Substitution on Committees: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1934—That the Parliament agrees that Eleanor Scott be appointed to replace Mr Mark Ruskell as the Green Party substitute on the Environment and Rural Development Committee. The motion was agreed to (DT). 7. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1935—That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government and Transport Committee be designated as lead committee and the Enterprise and Culture Committee be designated as secondary committee in consideration of the Transport (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1936—That the Parliament agrees that the Equal Opportunities Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. The motion was agreed to (DT). 9. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1937—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 1 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. The motion was agreed to (DT). 10. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as noted above. 11. Development and Manufacture of Renewable Energy: The Parliament debated S2M-1674 in the name of Maureen Macmillan—That the Parliament congratulates Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Group and the trade union Amicus on their initiative to promote the development and manufacture of renewable energy structures, whether for wind, wave or tidal power, in the Highlands and Islands; recognises that there is a skilled engineering workforce available locally; further recognises the considerable socio-economic benefits that would flow from this work to the nearby communities; believes that renewable energy infrastructure would be better supported by these communities if they perceived that it was bringing local economic benefit, and therefore believes that the Scottish Executive should do all it can to support Highland-based companies in bidding for renewables contracts in Scotland and elsewhere. The meeting closed at 6.05 pm. No. 27 Thursday 4 November 2004 The meeting opened at 9.30 am. 1. A Better Deal for Pensioners: Nicola Sturgeon moved S2M-1940—That the Parliament agrees that Scotland must face up to the twin challenges of tackling current pensioner poverty and ensuring decent living standards for future generations of pensioners; believes that removing the pensions means test would help to achieve both of these objectives, and calls upon the Scottish Executive to bring pressure to bear on Her Majesty’s Government to begin the process of replacing means-testing with a citizen’s pension. Karen Whitefield moved amendment S2M-1940.5 to motion S2M-1940— Leave out from “agrees” to end and insert –
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 47, Against 66, Abstentions 1). Mary Scanlon moved amendment S2M-1940.1 to motion S2M-1940— Leave out from “believes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 16, Against 97, Abstentions 1). Robert Brown moved amendment S2M-1940.4 to motion S2M-1940— Leave out from “agrees” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 14, Against 99, Abstentions 1). John Swinburne moved amendment S2M-1940.2 to motion S2M-1940— Insert at end—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 52, Against 60, Abstentions 1). The motion was then disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 37, Against 76, Abstentions 1). 2. First Minister’s Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell). 3. Question Time: Questions were answered by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Mr Jim Wallace) and the Minister for Transport (Nicol Stephen); by the Minister for Justice (Cathy Jamieson), the Solicitor General for Scotland (Mrs Elish Angiolini) and the Lord Advocate (Colin Boyd); and by other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers. 4. Ministerial Statement: The Minister for Justice (Cathy Jamieson) made a statement and answered questions on creating safer communities – improving youth justice. 5. Domestic Abuse Services: The Minister for Communities (Malcolm Chisholm) moved S2M-1943—That the Parliament recognises the very serious and totally unacceptable problem of domestic abuse in Scottish society; notes in particular the traumatic effect of domestic abuse on children and young people as well as on women; acknowledges the range of initiatives in this area that have been funded by the Scottish Executive in the last few years, and welcomes the Scottish Executive’s partnership working and its investment and work to support those experiencing domestic abuse. Ms Sandra White moved amendment S2M-1943.1 to motion S2M-1943— Leave out from “and welcomes” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 51, Against 62, Abstentions 0). Margaret Mitchell moved amendment S2M-1943.2 to motion S2M-1943— Leave out from “acknowledges” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 47, Against 67, Abstentions 0). Shiona Baird moved amendment S2M-1943.3 to motion S2M-1943— Leave out from “recognises” to end and insert—
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 37, Against 77, Abstentions 0). The motion was then agreed to (DT). 6. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1950—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Wednesday 10 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Ministerial Statement on Smoking followed by Executive Debate on Smoking followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Debate on Fostering 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Finance and Public Services and Communities; General Questions 3.00 pm Procedures Committee Debate on its 6th Report 2004: A New Procedure for Members’ Bills and on its 7th Report 2004: Timescales and Stages of Bills followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 17 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 18 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Fire (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Fire (Scotland) Bill 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 3 of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business The motion was agreed to. 7. Designation of Lead Committee: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1946—That the Parliament agrees that the Justice 2 Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the draft Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2004. The motion was agreed to (DT). 8. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 5 and 7 as noted above. 9. Launch of the Gretna-Lockerbie-Annan Economic Regeneration Prospectus: The Parliament debated S2M-1877 in the name of David Mundell—That the Parliament welcomes the launch earlier this year of the prospectus published by the Corridor Regeneration Strategy Steering Group outlining key objectives and a number of themes to stimulate economic growth in Gretna, Lockerbie and Annan to address the impact on the area of the cessation of power production at Chapelcross; notes that the regeneration strategy, with its four principal themes of wealth, diversity, inspiration and inclusion, recognises not only the challenges that the Gretna-Lockerbie-Annan corridor now faces, but also the opportunities to be seized; congratulates the steering group on its genuine joined-up and cross-party working to date, and believes that the Scottish Executive should provide all the support that it can to the steering group’s work and to the regeneration of the Gretna-Lockerbie-Annan corridor. The meeting closed at 5.58 pm. No. 28 Wednesday 10 November 2004 The meeting opened at 2.30 pm. 1. Time for Reflection: Rev Father David Trainer, St Columba of Iona Roman Catholic Church, Glasgow led Time for Reflection. 2. Ministerial Statement: The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell) made a statement and answered questions on smoking. 3. Smoking: The Parliament debated the ministerial statement by the First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell) on smoking. 4. Business Motion: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1980—That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Wednesday 17 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 18 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 1 Debate on the Fire (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the Fire (Scotland) Bill 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Environment and Rural Development; Health and Community Care; General Questions 3.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 3 of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 24 November 2004 2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Executive Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 25 November 2004 9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Green Party Business 12 noon First Minister’s Question Time 2.00 pm Question Time— Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport; Justice and Law Officers; General Questions 3.00 pm Executive Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (b) that consideration of the Transport (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 be completed by 23 February 2005; (c) that consideration of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 be completed by 4 March 2005; (d) that the Justice 1 Committee reports to the Justice 2 Committee by 12 November 2004 on the draft Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2004; and (e) that the period for lodging questions for Question Time on 13 January 2005 should end at 10.00 am on Wednesday 5 January 2005. The motion was agreed to. 5. Office of the Clerk: Ms Margaret Curran, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S2M-1979—That the Parliament agrees that the Office of the Clerk will be closed on 29, 30 and 31 December 2004. The motion was agreed to (DT). 6. Decision Time: The Parliament took a decision on item 5 as noted above. 7. Science and the Parliament Event, 10 November 2004: The Parliament debated S2M-1840 in the name of Dr Elaine Murray—That the Parliament welcomes the Science and the Parliament 2004 event being held on 10 November 2004, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry in association with Scotland’s leading science organisations; notes the contribution of Scotland's 40,000 scientists to our economic, environmental and social development; notes that Scotland is a world leader in many scientific disciplines; further notes the Scottish Executive’s efforts to foster an environment that enhances pupil and student participation in science, to invest in the science infrastructure and equipment of our educational establishments, to increase investment in research along with supporting greater industrial research and assist in the practical application of our world-beating research, and welcomes the review of the Executive’s A Science Strategy for Scotland. The meeting closed at 5.59 pm.
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