Note: (DT) signifies a decision taken at Decision Time

The meeting opened at 9.30 am.

1. Powers of the Parliament: John Swinney moved S1M-3052—That the Parliament notes that the Scottish Executive has not delivered the improvements in public services expected by the Scottish people; believes that the people of Scotland deserve better, and recognises that only with the full powers of independence will the Parliament have the ability to tackle and overcome Scotland’s core economic and social problems.

The Minister for Parliamentary Business moved amendment S1M-3052.1 to motion S1M-3052—

After debate, the amendment was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 62, Against 41, Abstentions 0).

The motion, as amended, was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 62, Against 43, Abstentions 0).

Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament notes that the devolution settlement is right for Scotland, that wide powers have been devolved to the Scottish Executive and the Parliament and endorsed by Scottish voters in a referendum, that full use is being made of these powers to deliver the policies set out in the Programme for Government, and that these powers can deliver real improvements in the public services and help secure a strong and competitive economy.

2. Scottish Qualifications Authority Bill – Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-3057—That the Parliament agrees that, at Stage 3 of the Scottish Qualifications Authority 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 Stage 3 begins and excluding any periods when the meeting is suspended)—

The motion was agreed to.

3. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-3055—That the Parliament agrees—

1. the following programme of business—

Wednesday 8 May 2002

Thursday 9 May 2002

Wednesday 15 May 2002

Thursday 16 May 2002

and (b) that Stage 1 of the University of St. Andrews (Postgraduate Medical Degrees) Bill be completed by 27 June 2002

The motion was agreed to.

4. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.

5. Scottish Qualifications Authority Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3.

The following amendments were agreed to without division: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11

Other amendments were not moved.

6. Scottish Qualifications Authority Bill – Stage 3: The Minister for Education and Young People moved S1M-2996—That the Parliament agrees that the Scottish Qualifications Authority Bill be passed.

After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).

7. Motion without Notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that SIM-3066 be taken at this meeting of Parliament.

The motion was agreed to.

8. Decision Time: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved SIM-3066—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 2 May 2002 be taken at 4.21 pm.

The motion was agreed to.

9. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1 and 6 as noted above.

10. Current Situation in the Middle East: The Parliament debated S1M-3002 in the name of Alasdair Morgan—That the Parliament expresses its deep concern about the situation in the Middle East; recognises the key role of the United Nations and the rule of international law, and affirms that the immediate cessation of violence, the recognition and protection of human rights and the need for negotiation are essential in order to secure just and long lasting peace in the region.

11. Motion without Notice: Alasdair Morgan moved without notice that, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended until 5.45 pm.

The motion was agreed to.

The meeting closed at 5.22 pm.

P E Grice

Clerk of the Parliament

2 May 2002

Appendix

(Note: this Appendix does not form part of the Minutes)

Subordinate Legislation

Affirmative Instruments

The following instruments were laid in draft before the Parliament on 2 May 2002 for approval by resolution—

Other Documents

The following document was laid before the Parliament on 2 May 2002 and is not subject to any Parliamentary procedure

Committee Reports

The following Reports are being published on 2 May 2002—