Ag/S3/07/22 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU
AGENDA FOR MEETING ON TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2007 2.00 pm: Room Q1.03
1. Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 11 December 2007 (b) Matters arising
2. Future Business Programme (PB/S3/07/110)
3. Decision-making protocols (PB/S3/07/111)
4. Publication scheme – consideration of any exempt papers
5. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 8 January 2008
PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU
POSSIBLE MOTIONS FOR MEMBERS BUSINESS
1. Bureau Members will be aware that under Rule 5.6.1(c) the Bureau has a duty to ensure that there is a period of time available for Members’ Business following Decision Time.
2. Motions submitted for Members’ Business are shown below.
S3M-1033# Alison McInnes: Regional Transport Strategies—That the Parliament notes the early successes of regional transport partnerships (RTPs) in planning and delivering effective transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of people and business across Scotland, such as the bus improvement initiatives delivered in the north east under Nestrans; recognises that RTPs can play a unique role in delivering cohesive transport strategies across local authority boundaries by working in partnership with local authorities, the Scottish Government and the wider transport industry; welcomes the view of the SNP in opposition that RTPs must be given “the maximum possible powers” and secure funding; notes that seven regional transport strategies were submitted to the government by 31 March 2007, due to be approved or returned within the three month period stated in Scotland’s Transport Future: Guidance on Regional Transport Strategies; regrets that the Scottish Government has failed to approve or return any of the strategies; further regrets that the Scottish Government’s budget shows that the levels of capital and revenue that have either been allocated to transport or rolled up in the local authority settlement from previous transport budgets falls far short of that required to make significant improvements to transport, and therefore considers that the uncertainty over the future of regional transport in Scotland can be ended by approval or return of the regional transport strategies, with adequate explanation being given if strategies are returned, and provision to RTPs of sufficient capital and revenue funding to deliver transport improvements effectively.
Supported by: Mike Pringle*, Liam McArthur*, Hugh O’Donnell*, Iain Smith*, Mike Rumbles*, Cathy Peattie*, Ross Finnie*, Robert Brown*
S3M-1028# Trish Godman: Scottish Wheelchair Users and their Human Rights—That the Parliament commends The Herald for alerting the public to the ofttimes severe distress and denial of human rights inflicted upon Scottish wheelchair users by the insensitive, penny- pinching and uncaring approach by those in authority to their legitimate expectations and requirements anent the design of wheelchairs and their manufacture, adaptability to individual needs and maintenance programmes; notes that the charity, Quarriers, in West Renfrewshire, has stated that, of 105 wheelchair users recently interviewed, over 50 said that their wheelchairs were unfit for purpose and is firmly of the view that this state of affairs is unacceptable in modern Scotland; believes that our wheelchair users should be provided with wheelchairs that equal the best provided elsewhere in Europe; considers that the recommendations contained in the document Moving Forward: Review of NHS Wheelchair and Seating Services in Scotland should be implemented forthwith, and reminds all such strategic decision-makers involved in these matters that the goal should be to offer the best services attainable so that Scottish wheelchair users can lead tolerable lives in their communities.
Supported by: Mike Pringle*
S3M-1027# Sandra White: Tackling Homelessness—That the Parliament commends the Glasgow Rent Deposit and Support Scheme (GRDSS), which enables homeless people to gain access to quality private rented accommodation by acting as an independent third party providing landlords with a bond guarantee on tenants’ behalf and providing support for clients to enable them to remain in their tenancies; welcomes the GRDSS befriending service aimed at supporting previously homeless people to integrate into the community by way of providing access to social activities and regular contact with volunteers, and acknowledges that these
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services are essential if we are to eradicate homelessness and offer those taken off the streets hope for the future.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Robert Brown, Alasdair Allan, Patrick Harvie, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Stone, Stuart McMillan, Rob Gibson*, Alex Neil*
S3M-1026# Rhona Brankin: Lady Victoria Colliery - Our Most Treasured Place—That the Parliament notes the public poll organised by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland to find Scotland’s most treasured place from its archive of images as a prelude to its centenary celebrations in 2008; welcomes the funding support for the initiative from the Heritage Lottery Fund; commends the engagement with the public which this competition represents; congratulates the former Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, now the home of the Scottish Mining Museum, on coming first in the public vote; notes that the colliery is Europe’s best preserved 19th century pit complex, has been awarded VisitScotland’s Five Star Excellence Award for four consecutive years and is denoted as being of national or international significance by Historic Scotland; considers the colliery to be a hugely important part of Scotland’s industrial heritage; notes that a report from a structural engineer has identified that the buildings are increasingly fragile and require £2.5 million to preserve them, and believes that the necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the fabric of the colliery buildings is secured for the enjoyment and education of future generations.
Supported by: Mike Pringle*
S3M-1022# Jamie Hepburn: Save the Children Report, “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul”— That the Parliament welcomes the publication by Save the Children of Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, an assessment of how limited access to affordable credit hurts families and children living in poverty, many of whom live in Central Scotland; notes the findings of this assessment that amongst those in poverty 42% have been seriously behind with repaying bills or credit commitments in the past year, compared with just 4% of those not in poverty, while 36% of low-income credit card users have been exposed to penalty charges; further notes that nearly 60% of low-income families have no savings and that many of those in poverty are using doorstep lenders who charge a typical 183% interest each year; notes that the assessment finds that the impact on families unable to source affordable credit is severe, with large numbers reporting an inability to make even modest savings or replace worn-out furniture or send children on school trips; further notes that the findings also conclude that the social impact of this poverty is severe, with significant numbers reporting ill effects on physical and mental health and relationships between partners and with children; commends Save the Children for its work in this area; commits itself to the eradication of poverty and improving access to affordable credit for all of Scotland’s citizens, and believes that serious active consideration should be given to the recommendations made by Save the Children for tackling these problems, as set out in Robbing Peter to Pay Paul.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Alex Neil, Patrick Harvie, Stuart McMillan, Cathie Craigie, Sandra White, Joe FitzPatrick, Liam McArthur, Hugh Henry, Gil Paterson, Christina McKelvie, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Wilson*, Ian McKee*, Aileen Campbell*
S3M-1003# Johann Lamont: Meeting the Needs of Disabled Children and their Families - £34 Million Could Go a Long Way—That the Parliament acknowledges the courage, persistence and commitment of parents with disabled children within the Pollok constituency, across Glasgow and throughout Scotland, in fighting for the rights of their families; notes the findings of the report, Aiming High for Disabled Children: Better Support for Families, drawn from the experience and priorities of families with disabled children across the United Kingdom and which seeks to address the needs of the disabled child and the impact of disability on the rest of the family; welcomes the £34 million funding secured by the dedicated campaigning of families with disabled children and provided to the Scottish Executive to deliver the package of improvements in short breaks, accessible childcare, support for young disabled people in transition to adulthood and help for parents to be involved in shaping local
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services, and considers that families of disabled children should benefit fully from the £34 million fruits of their campaigning endeavour.
Supported by: Mary Mulligan, Pauline McNeill, Patricia Ferguson, Sarah Boyack, Elaine Murray, Robin Harper, David Whitton, Des McNulty, John Park, James Kelly, Cathie Craigie, Jackie Baillie, Marlyn Glen, Claire Baker, Bill Butler, Malcolm Chisholm, Elaine Smith, Cathy Peattie, Iain Gray, Dr Richard Simpson, Mr Frank McAveety, Marilyn Livingstone, Karen Whitefield, Trish Godman, Michael McMahon, Hugh O’Donnell, Mike Pringle*
S3M-1000# Dave Thompson: Make Scotland’s Roads Safer - Reduce the Drink Driving Limit—That the Parliament welcomes the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Christmas card campaign calling for a reduction in the drink driving limit; notes that there is clear evidence that shows that drivers who exceed 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood are significantly impaired; further notes with regret that in the Highlands and Islands there are 27% more accidents caused by drunk drivers than the national average; joins the BMA in considering that more pressure should be exerted on the UK Government to lower the drink driving limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg; supports the implementation of random testing, which would undoubtedly act as a further deterrent to drink driving, and notes that these measures will make Scotland’s roads safer and could save as many as 65 lives a year on UK roads.
Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Joe FitzPatrick, Rob Gibson, Kenneth Gibson, Robin Harper, Mike Pringle, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Kidd, Alex Neil, Brian Adam, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Christina McKelvie, Gil Paterson*
S3M-975# Stuart McMillan: Clyde Independent Health Scrutiny Panel Recommendations—That the Parliament welcomes the recommendations made by the independent Clyde Health Scrutiny Panel on proposals for health service changes in the Clyde area; notes that the panel believes that a longer and more reliable audit should be undertaken of why local mothers make the birthing choices that they are making, and agrees with the panel that community maternity units should continue to run for a further three-year period, accompanied by a positive community education programme informed by a survey of women’s attitudes.
Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Jamie Hepburn, Rob Gibson, Alex Neil, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Bill Wilson
S3M-970# Sandra White: Labour Failure to Act Against Post Office Closures—That the Parliament shares the continuing concern of Glasgow MSPs Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Bob Doris and Bashir Ahmad at the uncertainty and distress created by the proposed post office closures in Glasgow; further notes the recent consultation presented to the Post Office and the Scottish Government on behalf of the Glasgow SNP MSPs, which found that over 99% of respondents felt that their local post office was an essential service and that they would have difficulty accessing post office facilities if their local post office closed; condemns the behaviour of the Glasgow Labour MPs for their failure to even turn up for the debate on Post Office restructuring on 29 November 2007 in the House of Commons; considers that this further compounds their earlier disingenuous stance of informing Glasgow residents that they were against the closures when in fact Glasgow Labour MPs voted in favour of recommendations for closure, and believes that the people of Glasgow have been let down by their elected representatives and that actions such as these and others by the Labour Party serve to further erode public trust and confidence in politicians.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Michael Matheson, Alasdair Allan, Bashir Ahmad, Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Wilson, Alex Neil, Joe FitzPatrick, Bob Doris, Gil Paterson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Roseanna Cunningham
S3M-956# Rob Gibson: Congratulations to the Fifth Annual Scots Trad Music Awards— That the Parliament congratulates Hands Up For Trad for organising the fifth annual Scots Trad Music Awards, Comharrachadh Duaisean Dual-cheòl na h-Alba 2007, held in the Nevis Centre, Fort William from 29 November to 1 December 2007; notes the attendance of 900 celebrants and 130 musicians who produced such a spectacular and enjoyable programme
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drawn from all aspects of our traditional music; congratulates the award winners whose performances have raised the excellence, rude health and growing recognition of Scotland’s contemporary indigenous music bringing it to wider public notice each year, which acts as a barometer of a confident and innovative musical culture in today’s Scotland but regrets that broadcasters have yet to televise this enjoyable event to take the live performance and celebration of our rich musical traditions onto our television screens, and considers that future awards ceremonies should be televised, starting with the sixth awards due to be held in Glasgow in 2008.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Michael Matheson, Kenneth Gibson, Alasdair Allan, Bashir Ahmad, Nanette Milne, Karen Whitefield, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Robin Harper, Liam McArthur, Bob Doris, Alex Neil, Joe FitzPatrick, Gil Paterson, Cathy Peattie, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Christina McKelvie, Roseanna Cunningham, Bill Wilson, Dave Thompson, Mr Frank McAveety
S3M-955# Rob Gibson: Scotland’s Music - BBC Scotland Televises Contemporary Traditional Music—That the Parliament congratulates BBC Scotland for producing the six- part series Scotland’s Music, compiled and presented by Phil Cunningham; notes growing public acclaim for the Scotland’s Music series as an inspiring exploration of Scotland’s musical traditions and heritage as well as acting as a great advert for the hugely varied scenery of our country from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, and considers that much more urgency should be shown in ensuring that the programme is screened throughout the United Kingdom and on worldwide channels and that the series should be available in CD and DVD formats before Christmas.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Alasdair Allan, Michael Matheson, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Wilson, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Kidd, Aileen Campbell, Bill Butler, Brian Adam, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Robin Harper, Bob Doris, Joe FitzPatrick, Mike Pringle, Gil Paterson, Cathy Peattie, Christina McKelvie, Nigel Don, Roseanna Cunningham, Dave Thompson
S3M-953# Bill Butler: Support Project Scotland—That the Parliament expresses its dismay at the decision of the Scottish Government to withdraw funding from Project Scotland, the ground-breaking volunteering project, which since its inception has secured well over 1,000 placements for young people throughout Scotland; recognises the very real and tangible benefits both to local communities and organisations, such as the Temple Shafton Youth Project in Glasgow, which have participated in the scheme and wholeheartedly applauds the effort and commitment of the volunteers involved; acknowledges that participants have been able to discover and develop new skills during their time with Project Scotland; notes the cross-party support for motion S3M-695 in the name of Sandra White, which acknowledged the positive role played by Project Scotland in helping “those previously excluded from participating in society to realise their true potential and aspirations”, and believes that the decision should be reversed and support given to a project which, through the sterling efforts of volunteers, has made a significant contribution to a more inclusive and co-operative Scotland.
Supported by: Karen Whitefield, Cathie Craigie, Jackie Baillie, Hugh O’Donnell, Andy Kerr, Marlyn Glen, Claire Baker, Iain Gray, Elaine Murray, Jack McConnell, Robert Brown, John Park, Robin Harper, James Kelly, Marilyn Livingstone, Irene Oldfather, Elaine Smith, Patricia Ferguson, Malcolm Chisholm, Mary Mulligan, Trish Godman, Tom McCabe, Rhoda Grant, Tavish Scott, Cathy Peattie, Hugh Henry, David Stewart*, Cathy Jamieson*, Karen Gillon*, Mr Frank McAveety*, Ms Wendy Alexander*, Jamie Stone*
S3M-925# Bill Kidd: Congratulations to Glasgow Disability Alliance—That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) on its event on 3 December 2007 to launch its “Top 10 Tips” for working effectively to involve and empower disabled people and which will also be an awards ceremony to acknowledge the achievements of learners who have become more empowered as citizens and to mark the UN’s International Day of Disabled Persons which is intended to help explore what we can do to deliver the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by disabled people; notes the value of the GDA’s learning project which has enabled 150 disabled people in Glasgow facing multiple
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barriers to access learning and seize learning opportunities; further notes the substantial contribution made by GDA to enable the public sector, including learning institutions, to engage effectively with disabled people to improve policy and services, and applauds the efforts of disabled people in Glasgow to learn for life, for fun and to access education, training and enjoyment.
Supported by: Bob Doris, Elaine Smith, Kenneth Gibson, Bashir Ahmad, Christina McKelvie, Joe FitzPatrick, Sandra White, Hugh O’Donnell, Robin Harper, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, Dave Thompson
S3M-916# Jamie Hepburn: Central Scotland Rail Improvements—That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish Government’s plans to electrify the Glasgow to Edinburgh and Cumbernauld railway lines; believes that this will have a positive effect on the commuting experience for people across Scotland, particularly those in central Scotland; recognises the importance of providing alternatives to the private car to reduce congestion and pollution and of opening up social and economic opportunities to the 32% of Scottish households that do not have access to a car; notes the campaigns by various rail user groups calling for the introduction of a national railcard scheme which would provide discounted travel to all regular train users, and believes that such a scheme should be considered for introduction in Scotland.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Christina McKelvie, Stuart McMillan, Patrick Harvie, Alex Neil, Rob Gibson, Alasdair Allan, Aileen Campbell, Bill Wilson, Joe FitzPatrick, Hugh O’Donnell, Roseanna Cunningham, John Wilson, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Michael Matheson
S3M-876# Sandra White: Democratic Deficit—That the Parliament expresses serious concern for the rights of democratically elected members of Glasgow City Council and the residents they represent as a result of Glasgow City Council’s ruling Labour administration preventing open and democratic debate of important issues to Glasgow at the special Glasgow City Council meeting on 15 November 2007, called to discuss business that was curtailed at the previous meeting, by voting to end the meeting before the first motion had even been debated in the face of opposition from SNP, Green and Conservative councillors and before important issues concerning services for young people, the impact of the 2012 Olympics on lottery funding and housing for asylum seekers and refugees could be debated; notes that such actions do nothing to foster political co-operation to the detriment of both the council and, more importantly, the people of Glasgow, and believes that, as a means to creating an effective working environment in which the interests of the people of Glasgow are put first, such petty and juvenile actions should be seriously reviewed before more valuable time is used up without real debate being able to take place.
Supported by: Christina McKelvie, Ian McKee, Bill Kidd, Bashir Ahmad, Stuart McMillan, Keith Brown, Brian Adam, Kenneth Gibson, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Rob Gibson, Alex Neil
S3M-871# Cathy Peattie: Carers’ Respite and Short Breaks—That the Parliament notes that 7 December 2007 is Carers’ Rights Day; applauds the huge contribution made to society by more than 600,000 unpaid carers in Scotland; welcomes the work done by organisations such as Grangemouth Carers and the Falkirk Carers Centre; recognises the enormous benefit that the provision of respite and short break services can make to both the carer and the cared for; notes with concern the inequalities of access to respite provision recently highlighted by the Scottish Society for Autism; believes that regular updates should be made available, detailing progress towards the provision of an additional 10,000 weeks respite per year, as well as a guaranteed annual entitlement to breaks from caring by 2011; welcomes the Scottish Government’s consultation on its new respite care guidance; is concerned, however, that this guidance does not contain a duty on local authorities to develop specific respite strategies; believes that such a duty is vital to strengthen the development of respite services and to achieve equality of access across Scotland, and believes that, in the absence of a duty on local authorities, measures should be taken to ensure that the impact of any additional resources for respite services is not undermined by weaknesses in local respite planning.
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Supported by: Christine Grahame, Elaine Murray, Bill Kidd, James Kelly, Marilyn Livingstone, Bill Butler, David Stewart, Helen Eadie, Robin Harper, Jackie Baillie, Mary Mulligan, Hugh O’Donnell, Sarah Boyack, Iain Gray, Mr Frank McAveety, Marlyn Glen, Karen Whitefield, Trish Godman, Alex Neil, Jim Hume, Irene Oldfather, Claire Baker, Pauline McNeill, Nanette Milne, Cathie Craigie, Johann Lamont, Elaine Smith, Jamie Hepburn, Kenneth Gibson, Peter Peacock, Keith Brown, John Lamont, Dave Thompson, Rhoda Grant
S3M-861# Aileen Campbell: 18 Years of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child— That the Parliament notes the ”coming of age” of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 2007, which since its adoption in 1989 has been ratified more quickly and by more governments, all except Somalia and the United States of America, than any other human rights instrument; recognises that it is the most far-reaching and comprehensive of all human rights treaties and has transformed the status of children as rights holders; supports its basic premise that children are born with fundamental freedoms and the inherent rights of all human beings; recognises that much work still needs to be done to ensure that the convention is fully implemented; further notes that in 2008 the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will examine a report by the UK Government on its implementation of the convention; welcomes the Scottish Government’s engagement in that reporting process and its commitment to improving the lives of young people, and continues to support the work of Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People in promoting and safeguarding children’s rights in Scotland.
Supported by: Patrick Harvie, Bashir Ahmad, Christina McKelvie, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Robert Brown, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Wilson, Stuart McMillan, Alasdair Allan, Keith Brown, Liam McArthur, Bob Doris, Elaine Smith, Robin Harper, Alex Neil, Christine Grahame, Ian McKee, Michael Matheson, Dave Thompson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Hugh O’Donnell, Marlyn Glen, Gil Paterson, Cathy Peattie
S3M-858# Keith Brown: Government Powers to Ensure Terrestrial Broadcast of Sport— That the Parliament expresses displeasure about the ongoing lack of access for viewers in Ochil and across Scotland to the fixtures of the Scotland men’s football team on terrestrial television, in particular the Scotland v Italy fixture scheduled for 17 November 2007; criticises the BBC for again scheduling in all parts of the United Kingdom the live England match on 21 November instead; notes that within the framework of the EU broadcasting directive (89/552/EC) the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport designates sporting events into three categories, corresponding to those which must be broadcast on terrestrial television (A), those for which highlights must be broadcast on terrestrial television (B) and the remainder for which no such requirements exist; further notes that the FIFA World Cup finals and UEFA European Championship finals come under category A while the qualifying matches for these tournaments do not even come under category B; observes that other countries such as Germany require that all national men’s football team matches be made available under corresponding regulations; believes that all competitive participation in international men’s football by Scotland should be made available to terrestrial broadcasters under these regulations, and considers that powers over broadcasting should be transferred to the Scottish Parliament so that the Scottish Government can take such action.
Supported by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Joe FitzPatrick, Alasdair Allan, Jamie Hepburn, Brian Adam, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Christina McKelvie, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Kidd, Alex Neil, Ian McKee, Michael Matheson, Bob Doris, Hugh O’Donnell
S3M-836# Sandra White: Apprentice of the Year—That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow carpenter, Mark Lynch, on being crowned Apprentice of the Year at the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2007 after fighting off competition from hundreds of apprentices around the United Kingdom; echoes the sentiments of the judges who described Mark as having all the qualtities we want to see in all apprentices, including commitment to his trade and employer, along with the willingness and ability to continue to learn; considers that the construction industry’s future will be assured through the development of young people such as Mark Lynch; believes that Mark, who has shown an exceptional interest in his career from an early stage, taking part in Glasgow’s school vocational programme and spending half a day a week at Queenslie Training Centre learning a variety of construction trades before
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being accepted for an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with City Building (Glasgow) LLP, serves as a great example to others and demonstrates the benefits that apprenticeships bring to young people and Scotland as a whole, and hopes that these schemes will be developed to ensure that they play a central role in the new employment opportunities brought about as a result of Glasgow’s successful bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Supported by: John Lamont, Ken Macintosh, Alasdair Allan, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Bob Doris, Joe FitzPatrick, Aileen Campbell, Brian Adam, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Patrick Harvie, Rob Gibson, Robin Harper, Alex Neil, Keith Brown, Patricia Ferguson, Bill Kidd, Robert Brown, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, John Park
S3M-829# Charlie Gordon: Changes to the National Concessionary Travel Scheme— That the Parliament believes that the national concessionary travel scheme should be urgently reviewed to extend eligibility to disabled people in receipt of the lower rate of disability living allowance, including those in Glasgow, and to older and disabled people using community transport in rural areas such as those in Clydesdale and that there should be consultation on other desirable changes to the scheme.
Supported by: Trish Godman, Elaine Murray, Robin Harper, Bill Butler, Marilyn Livingstone, Mary Mulligan, Paul Martin, James Kelly, Pauline McNeill, David Stewart, Claire Baker, Jackie Baillie, John Park, Alex Neil, Hugh O’Donnell, Iain Gray, Karen Gillon, Andy Kerr, Karen Whitefield, Cathy Peattie, Ken Macintosh, Irene Oldfather, Rob Gibson, Lewis Macdonald, Jack McConnell, Mr Frank McAveety, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant
S3M-824# Bill Butler: Sectarian Stories—That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Sectarian Stories, an educational documentary produced by Nil by Mouth in conjunction with the Gallery of Modern Art’s Blind Faith programme, which will be premiered at the Parliament on 14 November 2007; notes that the documentary features 12 people from across Scotland sharing their personal experiences of sectarianism which reflect the impact that sectarian attitudes, language and behaviour have on individuals and their communities; applauds the courage of the participants for speaking out on the issue; views such first hand experiences as a valuable resource that will support work to challenge sectarianism across primary, secondary and community education programmes, and, while acknowledging the significant strides taken in recent years to challenge and legislate against sectarianism, realises that it still presents Scotland with a series of deep-seated, emotive and complex challenges that are best met by strong and visible leadership from the Scottish Government.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Brian Adam, Ross Finnie, Kenneth Gibson, Elaine Smith, Stuart McMillan, Andy Kerr, Patrick Harvie, Jackie Baillie, Karen Gillon, Ken Macintosh, Rob Gibson, Hugh O’Donnell, Marlyn Glen, Rhona Brankin, Trish Godman, Cathy Jamieson, Gil Paterson, Cathie Craigie, Robin Harper, Karen Whitefield, Patricia Ferguson, Robert Brown, Hugh Henry, Cathy Peattie, Jack McConnell, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant
S3M-814# Sandra White: Moratorium on Post Office Closures—That the Parliament notes with grave concern the admission by the Post Office, in response to concerns raised over the proposed post office closures in Glasgow, that “If, at the end of the consultation period, a post office branch is removed from the list of proposed closures, then we would have to propose another branch for closure within this area plan.” and believes that such an admission calls into question the validity of any consultation process and that, in light of these damning revelations, a moratorium on the current process should be considered.
Supported by: Robin Harper, Stuart McMillan, Bashir Ahmad, Robert Brown, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Kenneth Gibson, Dave Thompson, Michael Matheson, Gil Paterson, Keith Brown, Alasdair Allan, Alex Neil, Shirley-Anne Somerville, John Wilson, Hugh O’Donnell
S3M-812# Sandra White: Let the Games Begin—That the Parliament celebrates the announcement that the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be coming to Glasgow; congratulates all those who have supported and worked for the bid to be successful; believes
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that the games will further serve to increase Scotland’s standing and recognition throughout the international community and add to the optimism felt throughout Scotland towards our future, and looks forward to the numerous benefits that the games will bring to Glasgow and Scotland as a whole.
Supported by: Bill Wilson, Stuart McMillan, Hugh O’Donnell, Bob Doris, Aileen Campbell, Michael Matheson, Bill Kidd, Robin Harper, Keith Brown, Bashir Ahmad, Brian Adam, Alasdair Allan, Joe FitzPatrick, Jackson Carlaw, John Lamont, Christine Grahame, Jamie Hepburn, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Christina McKelvie
S3M-798# Karen Whitefield: Improving the Central Heating Programme—That the Parliament notes with concern that local pensioners in Airdrie and Shotts have been told by Scottish Gas that, although that are eligible now for new heating systems under the central heating programme, they cannot get the new systems fitted until April 2008, up to 6 months after their date of eligibility; believes that it is unacceptable that pensioners in Airdrie and Shotts are being forced to wait until after winter for a new central heating system; further believes that there needs to be greater flexibility within the programme to protect vulnerable people who have medical conditions or to allow boiler-only installations where this will facilitate a quicker and less intrusive installation, and considers that these problems should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Supported by: Cathie Craigie, Rhona Brankin, Marlyn Glen, James Kelly, Elaine Murray, Mr Frank McAveety, Patricia Ferguson, Ken Macintosh, Des McNulty, David Stewart, Jamie Hepburn, Trish Godman, Hugh O’Donnell, John Park, Cathy Peattie, David Whitton, Elaine Smith, Tom McCabe, Irene Oldfather, Marilyn Livingstone, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant
S3M-794# Shirley-Anne Somerville: Domestic Abuse in Lothians—That the Parliament recognises the need to end violence against women; notes that the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign will run from 25 November (UN International Day of Action to Eliminate Violence Against Women) until 10 December 2007 (International Human Rights Day); notes that domestic abuse remains both widespread and under-reported in Scotland and that research indicates that victims suffer episodes of abuse up to 35 times before they call the police; further notes that 60% of recorded domestic abuse incidents in Lothian and Borders are known to involve repeat victimisation; welcomes the pilot project being run by Lothian and Borders Police in East Lothian to improve the service provided to victims of domestic abuse with the aim of reducing repeat victimisation through working with partner agencies to provide help, support and prioritise the safety and protection of victims when reporting crimes, and looks forward to this pilot leading to a more effective response to domestic abuse throughout the force’s area.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Ian McKee, Alex Neil, Kenneth Gibson, Ken Macintosh, Christina McKelvie, Joe FitzPatrick, Mike Pringle, Rob Gibson, Robin Harper, Alasdair Allan, Malcolm Chisholm, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Cathy Peattie, Elaine Smith, Bill Wilson, Roseanna Cunningham, Marlyn Glen
S3M-785# Jamie McGrigor: Congratulations to the Showmen’s Guild Scottish Section on its 100th Anniversary—That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish section of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain on its 100th anniversary this year; notes the enjoyment that generations of Scots have gained through fairs and shows across Scotland during this time and their importance to Scotland’s tourism, culture and economy; further notes the concerns of the Showmen’s Guild Scottish section in relation to the fact that Planning Circular 22/91 is not applicable in Scotland and about a possible lack of sites for shows and fairs and storage in Scotland, and hopes that local authorities and the Scottish Executive will engage positively with the travelling show sector to ensure that fairs and shows can continue to be enjoyed for many decades to come.
Supported by: Mary Scanlon, Alex Johnstone, Mr Frank McAveety, Murdo Fraser, Elizabeth Smith, Hugh O’Donnell, John Lamont, Margaret Mitchell, Nanette Milne, Bill Aitken, Ted Brocklebank, Annabel Goldie, Hugh Henry, Cathy Peattie, Pauline McNeill, Trish Godman
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S3M-765# Elizabeth Smith: Extra-curricular Outdoor Education for Every School Pupil—That the Parliament notes the vital contribution that taking part in extra-curricular activities makes in developing our young people; notes that extra-curricular programmes help our young people to learn new skills, to enjoy new responsibility, to appreciate the work of other people and to learn about leadership; notes the success of projects such as Crieff High School’s Community Awareness Project, and considers that, in an age when too many of our young people are in the headlines for the wrong reasons and when there are increasing concerns about school discipline and the numbers of youngsters involved in incidents of antisocial behaviour, extra-curricular activities in schools and five days outdoor education for every school pupil in Scotland should be supported.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Mary Scanlon, Nanette Milne, Jackson Carlaw, Jamie McGrigor, Gavin Brown, John Lamont, Ted Brocklebank, Kenneth Gibson, Margaret Mitchell, Murdo Fraser, Bill Aitken, Annabel Goldie, Robert Brown, John Scott, Peter Peacock, Roseanna Cunningham, Jack McConnell, Robin Harper
S3M-728# Marlyn Glen: World AIDS Day 2007—That the Parliament observes World Aids Day on 1 December 2007; acknowledges that there are an estimated 39.5 million people living with HIV worldwide; supports this year’s campaign theme, “HIV: Let’s Get Talking”, aimed at encouraging wider discussion and understanding of HIV; recognises that, despite the decreasing visibility of HIV in Scotland in recent years, numbers of annual diagnoses have increased sharply since the 1990s with 2005 seeing the highest number of reported cases on record; considers that around a third of people living with HIV in Scotland remain undiagnosed; understands that late diagnoses account for at least 35% of HIV-related deaths each year in the United Kingdom, many of which could be avoided through early testing and access to treatment; acknowledges that stigma impacts profoundly on the lives of people living with HIV and acts as a major barrier to testing; supports efforts to promote greater awareness and understanding of the realties of living with HIV, and welcomes the opportunity which World Aids Day presents to get people in Scotland talking about HIV.
Supported by: Nanette Milne, Elizabeth Smith, Rob Gibson, Joe FitzPatrick, Patricia Ferguson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Karen Gillon, Christine Grahame, Stuart McMillan, Liam McArthur, Hugh O’Donnell, Ross Finnie, Elaine Murray, Sandra White, Bill Wilson, Bill Butler, Margaret Smith, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Kidd, Iain Gray, Jackie Baillie, Trish Godman, Mary Mulligan, John Park, Patrick Harvie, Kenneth Gibson, Mike Pringle, Jackson Carlaw, Gil Paterson, Elaine Smith, Hugh Henry, Pauline McNeill, Jamie Stone, Marilyn Livingstone, Lewis Macdonald, Robin Harper, Sarah Boyack, Jamie Hepburn, Des McNulty, Mary Scanlon, Ted Brocklebank, Cathy Peattie, Ken Macintosh, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant, Alex Neil, David Stewart, Jack McConnell
S3M-711# Des McNulty: The St Margaret of Scotland Hospice—That the Parliament recognises the outstanding care provided for terminally ill and frail elderly patients by the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in the 57 years since its foundation; notes with concern the uncertainty faced by Scotland’s largest hospice as a result of proposals to remove places for the care of frail elderly people with complex needs, and believes that NHS Greater Glasgow and Scottish ministers should be made aware of the very strong support that exists for St Margaret’s in Clydebank and throughout the west of Scotland.
Supported by: Malcolm Chisholm, Ken Macintosh, Pauline McNeill, David Stewart, George Foulkes, Trish Godman, Andy Kerr, Hugh O’Donnell, David Whitton, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Mary Mulligan, Gil Paterson, Hugh Henry, Jackson Carlaw
S3M-658# Pauline McNeill: House of Lords Ruling on Pleural Plaques—That the Parliament notes with concern the judgement of the House of Lords in respect of pleural plaques which would in effect remove the right of asbestos victims to compensation and reaffirms its own commitment to compensation; supports the work already done by Clydeside Action on Asbestos and others on the matter, and considers that there should be a reversal of this decision through prioritisation of the bill already drafted by Thompsons Solicitors.
9
Supported by: David Whitton, Patrick Harvie, Robert Brown, Elaine Murray, Bill Butler, Karen Whitefield, Duncan McNeil, Des McNulty, Ken Macintosh, Charlie Gordon, Ross Finnie, Cathy Peattie, George Foulkes, Mr Frank McAveety, Marilyn Livingstone, Hugh O’Donnell, Cathie Craigie, Mary Mulligan, Michael McMahon, Marlyn Glen, John Park, Jackie Baillie, Robin Harper, Trish Godman, Gil Paterson, Karen Gillon, Patricia Ferguson, Elaine Smith, Dr Richard Simpson, Rhoda Grant, Tom McCabe, Peter Peacock
S3M-483# George Foulkes: Time for a Fresh Debate on Organ Donation—That the Parliament commends the ongoing work that British Medical Association Scotland is doing to raise awareness of organ donation; recognises that the number of people on the active and temporarily suspended transplant waiting list in Scotland rose by almost 20% from 695 in September 2005 to its highest level of 818 in July 2007 and yet only 50 organs were donated in Scotland last year and that at 10 June 2007 there were 135 people in the NHS Lothian area registered with UK Transplant as waiting for an organ; recognises that the current opt-in system of organ donation is unable to meet the increasing demands placed upon it; acknowledges the need for a full and proper public debate to establish the level of support that exists for a move to a system of presumed consent that will both inform future proposals in this area and raise awareness of the desperate need for organ donors, and considers that moves to turn the tremendous level of public and, increasingly, professional support that exists for organ donation into something meaningful should be supported by implementing a system of presumed consent.
Supported by: Elaine Murray, David Stewart, Brian Adam, Des McNulty, Jackie Baillie, John Park, Elaine Smith, Claire Baker, Iain Gray, Sarah Boyack, Dr Richard Simpson, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Ian McKee, Trish Godman, Mike Pringle, Cathie Craigie, Peter Peacock, Tom McCabe, Rhoda Grant, Kenneth Gibson, Margo MacDonald, Hugh Henry, Marlyn Glen, David Whitton, Patrick Harvie, Robin Harper, Patricia Ferguson, Ken Macintosh, Mr Frank McAveety, John Farquhar Munro, Cathy Jamieson, Alex Neil
S3M-464# John Lamont: Support for Border News—That the Parliament considers that moves by ITV to merge some of its smaller regional news services should be opposed; believes that these proposals pose a significant threat to the future of Border television and would be damaging to regional news in the region; considers that a merger of Border television news with STV news services would also be a bad move for television in Scotland and would provide a downgraded service for the customer, and believes that local and regional television services provide a valuable role in an increasingly centralised market.
Supported by: Jamie McGrigor, Alex Johnstone, Elaine Murray, David Stewart, Elizabeth Smith, Nanette Milne, Cathy Peattie, Jamie Stone, Margaret Mitchell, Robin Harper, Murdo Fraser, Derek Brownlee, Mary Scanlon, Gil Paterson, Helen Eadie, Christine Grahame, Ted Brocklebank, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant, Annabel Goldie
S3M-424# Hugh O’Donnell: Sale of Freescale Semiconductor Plant at East Kilbride— That the Parliament notes with concern the announcement that, after months of public speculation, the US electronics company, Freescale Semiconductor, is to end production at its East Kilbride plant, where it currently employs about 900 skilled staff; regrets this blow to the electronics sector in central Scotland, and hopes that the engagement of an international real estate consultancy by Freescale will result in a buyer being found who can provide continuing employment for this highly-skilled workforce and continuing use of the specialised equipment and processes used in the plant at East Kilbride.
Supported by: Jim Tolson, Jim Hume, Mike Pringle, Bill Kidd, Robert Brown, Bill Wilson
Record of Members’ Business Taken by the Parliament from 6 June 2007
Date MSP Party Subject 06.06.07 Roseanna Cunningham SNP Rescue from Moving Water
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07.06.07 Des McNulty LAB Alimta for Mesothelioma Sufferers 13.06.07 Karen Whitefield LAB Education is a Human Right 14.06.07 Rob Gibson SNP Scottish Norwegian Commercial Co- operation 20.06.07 Margaret Mitchell CON Motor Neurone Disease 21.06.07 Jim Hume LD Local Food 27.06.07 Andrew Welsh SNP Tartan Day Celebrations 28.06.07 David Stewart LAB National Diabetes Week 05.09.07 Sandra White SNP Asylum Seekers in Scotland 06.09.07 Trish Godman LAB Maintenance of Common Land on Scottish Housing Estates 12.09.07 Sarah Boyack LAB Save the Land Reform Act and Restore the Will of Parliament 13.09.07 Brian Adam SNP MacMillan Cancer Support’s Recovered but not Covered Campaign 19.09.07 Murdo Fraser CON Beauly Denny Public Inquiry 20.09.07 Patricia Ferguson LAB ICL Factory Explosion – Call For Public Inquiry 26.09.07 Mike Rumbles LD Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route 2709.07 Kenneth Gibson SNP Warm Zones 03.10.07 Cathie Craigie LAB NDCS Change Your World Consultation 04.10.07 Bob Doris SNP Glasgow Milton and Chirnsyde Community Initiative 24.10.07 Christine Grahame SNP Can't Afford to Foster 25.10.07 Michael McMahon LAB Public-Social Partnership Pilot in North Lanarkshire 31.10.07 Elaine Murray LAB Further Job Losses at Young’s Seafood, Annan 01.11.07 Tavish Scott LD Crown Estate Taxation on Harbour Developments 07.11.07 Stuart McMillan SNP House of Lords Ruling on Pleural Plaques 08.11.07 Nanette Milne CON Autism Parliamentary Network 14.11.07 Paul Martin LAB Car Parking Charges at Stobhill Hospital 15.11.07 Bill Wilson SNP Perceived Norms of Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption - Pilot Studies in Scottish Educational Institutions 21.11.07 Bill Kidd SNP Recycling Waste Wood 22.11.07 Mary Scanlon CON Bog Myrtle (Sweet Gale) Industry 28.11.07 Des McNulty LAB Science and the Parliament, Wednesday 28 November 2007 29.11.07 Cathy Jamieson LAB Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland 5.12.07 Christine Grahame SNP Lancastria 6.12.07 Robert Brown LD 100 Years of Scouting 12.12.07 Liam McArthur LD Air Ambulance Service in Orkney 13.12.07 Bashir Ahmad SNP Standing United with Glasgow's Pakistani Community 19.12.07 John Lamont CON Support for Border News 20.12.07 Bill Butler LAB Support Project Scotland
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Record of Members’ Business Taken by the Parliament in Session 3
Party SNP LAB CON LD GRN IND TOTAL
Frequency (no.) 13 13 5 5 0 0 36 Frequency % 36.1 36.1 13.9 13.9 0 0 100
12
BUSINESS MOTION Date of Lodging:
2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions insert followed by Ministerial Statement: Transport
13
BUSINESS MOTION Date of Lodging:
14
BUSINESS MOTION Date of Lodging:
12 noon First Minister's Question Time delete
2.15 pm Themed Question Time Finance and Sustainable Growth
2.55 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Climate Change Bill – UK Legislation followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members' Business – debate on the subject of S3M-953 Bill Butler: Support Project Scotland
and insert followed by Members' Business – debate on the subject of S3M-953 Bill Butler: Support Project Scotland
2.15 pm Themed Question Time Finance and Sustainable Growth
2.55 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Climate Change Bill – UK Legislation followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
4.30 pm Decision Time
15
BUSINESS MOTION Date of Lodging:
Wednesday 9 January 2008
2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Ministerial Statement followed by Scottish Government Debate: Serious Organised Crime followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Health and Social Care Bill – UK Legislation followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members' Business
Thursday 10 January 2008
9.15 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Labour Party Business
11.40 am General Question Time
12 noon First Minister's Question Time
2.15 pm Themed Question Time Education and Lifelong Learning; Europe, External Affairs and Culture
2.55 pm Scottish Government Debate: Gould Report followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members' Business
Wednesday 16 January 2008
2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motion
16
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members' Business
Thursday 17 January 2008
9.15 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Business
11.40 am General Question Time
12 noon First Minister's Question Time
2.15 pm Themed Question Time Health and Wellbeing
2.55 pm Scottish Government Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members' Business
17
BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 17 DECEMBER 2007
DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 17 Constituency Constituency Tuesday 18 Committees Committees
Wednesday 19 Committees 1430 Time for Reflection
1435-1520 Ministerial Statement on Transport
1520-1700 Scottish Government Debate on the EU Reform Treaty
Followed by Business Motion
Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)
1700 Decision Time
Followed by Members’ Business (Con) S3M-464 John Lamont: Support for Border News
Thursday 20 0915-1140 Stage 1 1415-1455 Themed Question Time: Debate: Graduate Finance and Sustainable Growth Endowment Abolition (Scotland) Bill Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required) 1140 – 1200 General Question Time 1455-1630 Stage 3 Debate: Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill 1200-1230 First Minister’s Question 1630-1700 Climate Change Bill – UK Time Legislation
1230-1315 Members’ Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Business (Lab) S3M- Motions (if required) 953 Bill Butler: Support Project Scotland 1700 Decision Time
Friday 21 Constituency Constituency
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BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 7 JANUARY
DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 7 Constituency 1430-1700 Constituency Tuesday 8 0930-1230 Committees 1430-1700 Committees
Wednesday 9 1400 Time for Reflection Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required) 1405-1450 Ministerial Statement – topic tbc 1450-1700 Scottish Government Debate on Serious Organised Crime 1700 Health and Social Care Bill – UK Legislation Followed by Business Motion Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required) 1700 Decision Time Followed by Members’ Business (SNP) S3M-858 Keith Brown: Government Powers to Ensure Terrestrial Broadcast of Sport
Thursday 10 0915 Parliamentary 1415-1455 Themed Question Time: Bureau Motions (if Education and Lifelong Learning; required) Europe, External Affairs and Culture 0915-1140 Labour Party 1455-1700 Scottish Government Debate Business on the Gould Report 1140 – 1200 General Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Question Time Motions (if required) 1200 - 1230 First 1700 Decision Time Minister’s Question Time Followed by Members’ Business (Labour) S3M-711 Des McNulty: The St Margaret of Scotland Hospice
Friday 11 Constituency Constituency
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BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 14 JANUARY
DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 14 Constituency 1430-1700 Constituency Tuesday 15 0930-1230 Committees 1430-1700 Committees
Wednesday 16 1430 Time for Reflection
Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)
1435-1700 Scottish Government Business
Followed by Business Motion
Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)
1700 Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (Lab)
Thursday 17 0915 Parliamentary 1415-1455 Themed Question Time: Bureau Motions (if Health and Wellbeing required) 1455-1700 Scottish Government 0915-1140 Scottish Business Government Business Followed by Parliamentary Bureau 1140 – 1200 General Motions (if required) Question Time 1700 Decision Time followed by 1200 - 1230 First Members’ Business (SNP) Minister’s Question Time
Friday 18 Constituency Constituency
20 PB/S3/07/111
PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU
Protocols and Practices Relating to the Management of Parliamentary Business (Final Version)
Background
1. The Bureau, at its meeting on 2 October, requested information on current protocols regarding Bureau business and the management of parliamentary business in the chamber. This paper provides that information, including where appropriate, information on the Standing Orders that underpin the relevant protocols. The management of business covers decisions which are for the Parliamentary Bureau, the Presiding Officer and for political parties.
Decisions for the Parliamentary Bureau
Business Motion 2. Under the Rules, the Business motion can be debated, amended and divided upon. The practice of the Bureau has been to agree a draft motion during a meeting of the Bureau and for that motion to be lodged in the name of the Minister for Parliamentary Business (on behalf of the Bureau) after that meeting. As the business motion is a collective motion of the Bureau and as set out in the “Guide for New Bureau Members”, any business manager who intends to oppose the motion or who wishes to consider their position further, is expected to reserve his or her party’s position on the motion at the relevant Bureau meeting. The Presiding Officer should be informed, through the Parliamentary Business Team, whether the motion will be opposed in advance of it being moved. The Business Team will inform other business managers of the intended opposition.
3. Although the motion is open to amendment, there are a number of items that are effectively protected under the Rules. As well as set times for Decision Time, Question Times and Members’ Business, the Bureau is obliged to set aside 16 half days for opposition business and 12 half days for committee business each parliamentary year. The timetabling of opposition half days is managed firstly by the Bureau agreeing a share of the 16 half days under direct proportionality and secondly by the Minister for Parliamentary Business discussing directly with opposition business managers the timetabling of individual days throughout the year. If it wishes, the bureau can increase the number of half days available for opposition business without seeking changes to standing orders. These additional days would also be allocated under direct proportionality. In relation to committee business, the Conveners Group operates a bidding system, notifying the Minister’s office of their decisions and the Bureau normally “rubber stamps” proposals.
4. Debates on business motions are covered at paragraph 10 below.
PB/S3/07/111
Committees 5. In proposing the establishment of committees at the start of a Parliamentary session, the Bureau is obliged by the Rules to have regard to the balance of the parties in the Parliament when deciding membership. The share of places on each committee is worked out on the basis of direct proportionality, while the convenerships and deputy convenerships are decided by applying the d’Hondt formula. The number and remit of committees and the number of places on each are decided by informal discussions between business managers outside the Bureau and brought to the Bureau for formal agreement.
6. When establishing ad hoc or private bill committees during a session, the Bureau will return to the first allocation on the d’Hondt list for convenerships for the first committee established and work its way down the list over the four-year term. Direct proportionality remains the methodology for deciding the share of seats on each new committee established.
Referral of Bills 7. The Bureau reaches decisions on the referral of Bills to committees informed by the recommendations of either the clerks in the Legislation Team or the Non-Executive Bills Unit, where appropriate. Where there are any overlapping remits or doubts as to the most appropriate committee, committee conveners and clerks will, prior to making recommendations, hold discussions with the clerks in the relevant committees and the Minister for Parliamentary Business’s office and communicate those discussions to the Bureau.
Timetabling of Bills 8. The Bureau is responsible for the timetabling of Bills. In practice for Government Bills, unofficial discussions will take place between the clerks to the relevant committee and the Minister for Parliamentary Business’s Office. The Business Team will monitor the progress of discussion and seek to present the Bureau with an agreed timetable for the consideration of Bills at Stages 1 and 2 for Bureau Members to consider. Where any disagreements occur, these are communicated to the Bureau and discussed at the relevant meeting. In those circumstances, the Bureau has, in the past, agreed to invite the committee convener to its next meeting in order to explore the areas of disagreement. It has become practice in those circumstances to hear the convener and then to discuss the issue and reach a decision once the convener has left the meeting.
Decisions for the Presiding Officer
Calling of speakers in debate 9. The calling of speakers and the length of speeches are, under the Rules, entirely a matter for the Presiding Officer. In practice, the Presiding Officer will allocate time based on the proportional share of seats in the Parliament and will disseminate information on this approach among PB/S3/07/111
Business Managers at the start of a session and notify them of any significant changes during a session.
10. In debates on business motions, only one Member may speak against the motion. In cases of competing requests, it is entirely a matter for the Presiding Officer to decide whom to call. The Presiding Officer will normally call the first Member to note an interest and may encourage parties to facilitate more than one contribution by the Member called to speak allowing another interested Member to intervene on his or her contribution.
Points of Order 11. Under the Rules, points of order are a matter for the chair and are dealt with as the Presiding Officer sees fit. The Rules also provide that points of order should be a maximum of 3 minutes in length, although the Presiding Officer will often encourage brevity in order to protect the business in hand. To allow consideration, it has become practice for Members to provide advance notification of points of order where possible.
Calling of supplementary questions at FMQT and QT 12. As with other speakers, the calling of supplementary questions is entirely at the Presiding Officer’s discretion. Requests can be submitted in advance to the Parliamentary Business Team, allowing the Presiding Officer to make initial decisions aimed at ensuring proportional shares across the parties. Although not obligatory, advance requests are particularly useful in relation to the slot after leaders’ questions at FMQT. The Presiding Officer has recently indicated that such questions would be normally – but not exclusively – of an urgent constituency nature. Advance notification, again to the Business Team, allows him to take decisions on the suitability of such questions for FMQT.
Conduct in the Chamber 13. Under the Rules, the issue of conduct in the chamber is a matter for the Presiding Officer. Should a serious disturbance occur, the Presiding Officer and Business Managers may consider that there requires to be a discussion as to whether to apply sanctions beyond those that can be applied by the Presiding Officer alone (i.e. exclusion from parliamentary proceedings to the end of the next sitting day after the misconduct occurs). In those circumstances, the Presiding Officer is likely to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Bureau to consider whether to seek the Parliament’s agreement to a longer exclusion.
Urgent Statements 14. Standing Orders allow the Presiding Officer to decide whether a request for a statement to be made that day is “sufficiently urgent” before allowing it to be made. The Presiding Officer will consider each case on its merits before making his decision. The same criteria are applied to requests for emergency questions (which, under the rules, have to be submitted by 10am on the day in which they are requested to be put for answer). The Presiding Officer wrote to the Minister for Parliamentary Business on 30 PB/S3/07/111
October on the issue of urgent statements and the minister has indicated that he will inform business managers of any requests as soon as the Presiding Officer has been notified. The Presiding Officer stressed that decisions would still be for the Presiding Officer alone and made on a case by case basis.
Political Decisions
Ministerial statements 15. Standing order 13.2.1 allows a Government minister to intimate to the Presiding Officer that he or she wishes to make a statement to the Parliament. The Bureau is obliged to include notice of that statement in the business programme, which, in the form of the business motion, is then voted on by Parliament as a whole. The Bureau Guide has established the practice, based on these Rules, that Business Managers should not be able to demand that a Minister make a statement. Although the issue can be discussed in the Bureau, it therefore becomes a matter for the Government to decide whether to make a statement. It follows that it is also for the Government to decide in the first instance whether a statement is more appropriate than a debate on a particular issue. (A statement can, of course, subsequently be debated). There is, however, an expectation that the Government will respond in an appropriate manner within a reasonable time to any calls on it set out in a parliamentary resolution.
16. The distribution of advance copies of ministerial statements to party spokespersons or Business Managers is a matter for the Government and not the Bureau or the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer will always encourage such distribution as a matter of courtesy and issuing one hour in advance of the statement appears to have become standard practice. However, its continued observance remains a matter for the Government.
Notification of motions for debate 17. While the Rules state that motions to be debated should be lodged by the close of the previous day, it has long been established, following a Presiding Officer good practice announcement in session 1, that such motions should be lodged two days in advance of the debate1. This allows Members and parties to consider the motions and to discuss any amendments that they may wish to lodge. Similarly, although such amendments may be lodged right up to the point at which the motion is moved, the same announcement established the practice of amendments being lodged the day before the debate in order to allow the Presiding Officer to select amendments for that debate and for notification of the selection to be carried in the Business Bulletin on the day of the debate. This practice was incorporated into the Guidance on Motions, endorsed by the Procedures Committee, and published by the Chamber Office.
1 This does not apply to Members’ business motions which, following agreement by the Bureau, require to be lodged for consideration at the Bureau meeting a week before the relevant debate. PB/S3/07/111
Notification of opposition debates 18. It has become practice, following an earlier decision of the Bureau, for opposition parties to notify the subject of their business no later than midday on the Friday of the week preceding the debate(s). This allows for notification in the first Business Bulletin of the week of the business in question. Subsequent motions should be lodged according to the deadlines mentioned above.
Seating arrangements in the Chamber 19. As there are no Rules or guidance governing the issue of seating in the Chamber, parties have discussed this amongst themselves and kept the Bureau informed of decisions. The arrangements are usually reached after informal discussions and tend to involve seeking to reach consensus on a share of the front bench seats and then each party in order of size deciding where its Members will sit in relation to that front bench share.
Discussion 20. The above represent the main protocols which are in place to facilitate the management of both Bureau and Chamber business. Business Managers are invited to consider these arrangements.
Parliamentary Business Team October 2007