Ag/S3/08/26 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU

AGENDA FOR MEETING ON TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2008 2.00pm: Room Q1.03

1. Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 9 September 2008 (b) Matters arising

2. Future Business Programme (PB/S3/08/99)

3. Fire Evacuation Exercise (circulated at previous meeting) (PB/S3/08/98)

4. Publication scheme – consideration of any exempt papers

5. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 23 September 2008 PB/S3/08/99

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-2539# Des McNulty: Aircraft Noise—That the Parliament believes that increased protection is needed for communities directly under airport flight paths, such as Whitecrook, Linnvale and Drumry in Clydebank, which are affected by aircraft noise, a problem which also affects adjacent areas such as Drumchapel, Bearsden and Milngavie, and considers that there should be an examination of what fresh legislative or administrative steps might be taken to prevent any forced sale of Airport leading to a worsening of noise pollution experienced by local residents.

*S3M-2529# James Kelly: Parkinson's Disease Society - Get it on Time Campaign—That the Parliament congratulates the Parkinson’s Disease Society on its award-winning Get it on Time campaign highlighting the problems faced by people with Parkinson’s in hospital, with materials aimed at patients, health professionals and NHS managers; notes that there are about 10,000 people with Parkinson’s in , including in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, and that more than a quarter of them will be admitted to hospital at least once each year; is concerned that many people with Parkinson’s are unable to follow their medication regime in hospital; recognises that if people with Parkinson’s do not get their medication on time they can suffer serious and distressing problems, including being unable to move, speak or swallow and that extended hospital stays are needed to restore effective symptom control; believes that many of the barriers to receiving medication on time can be addressed through straightforward measures, including policies enabling people who wish to self-medicate to do so, involvement from a Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist or pharmacist on admission, education for hospital staff, listening to people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families and wider availability of anti-Parkinsonian drugs in hospital pharmacies, and believes that measures should be taken to ensure that people with Parkinson’s get their medication on time, every time.

Supported by: Jackson Carlaw*, *, *, Michael McMahon*, *, Stuart McMillan*, Robert Brown*, Paul Martin*, *, *, *, Andy Kerr*, Elaine Smith*, Liam McArthur*, David Stewart*, *, Kenneth Gibson*, Bashir Ahmad*, Jamie McGrigor*, *, *, *, *, Mary Scanlon*, Sandra White*, Gil Paterson*, *, *

*S3M-2519# John Scott: Introduction of Sellers' Single Survey—That the Parliament notes with concern the fragile state of the housing market in Ayrshire and Scotland; believes that adding to the cost of moving house will further damage Scotland’s housing market; notes the intention of the to introduce from December of this year a sellers’ single survey, which, it is forecast, could add between £500 and £700 to the cost of moving home, and considers therefore that it would be unhelpful to introduce a sellers’ single survey at this time.

Supported by: Jamie McGrigor, John Lamont, Margaret Mitchell, Murdo Fraser, Alex Johnstone, Elizabeth Smith, David McLetchie, Jackson Carlaw, Mary Scanlon, Nanette Milne, Bill Aitken, Elaine Smith*

S3M-2515# Richard Baker: Crossrail Project—That the Parliament supports the Aberdeen Crossrail project as an integral part of a future transport strategy for the north east; believes that a frequent rail service with new stations running between Stonehaven, Inverurie

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and Aberdeen is vital to tackling congestion in Aberdeen and to economic growth in the north east; believes that the project is essential for a sustainable transport strategy in the area and to provide much improved public transport options for residents and commuters; believes that supporting Aberdeen Crossrail will enable even more ambitious plans to be developed for new rail services in other parts of Aberdeenshire; is concerned at recent reports that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland are no longer supporting the scheme, and hopes that the long-established consensus to support Aberdeen Crossrail will continue.

Supported by: Jackie Baillie, , Nanette Milne, Alex Johnstone, , Iain Gray, , , Robin Harper, , Marlyn Glen, Alison McInnes*

S3M-2506# Jack McConnell: 2014: A Year of Sport for Scotland—That the Parliament recognises that 2014 will be a significant year for Scottish sport; notes that, in addition to the annual sporting events taking place that year, Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles; acknowledges that each event will bring international athletes to this country and will focus worldwide attention on Scotland; welcomes the variety of sporting opportunities that 2014 will present to Scotland, and believes that 2014 should be designated “Scotland’s Year of Sport” in order to highlight the benefits that sport and physical activity bring to the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

Supported by: , , Elaine Murray, Robin Harper, Mike Pringle, Sandra White, Jamie Stone, Lewis Macdonald, Robert Brown, Mary Mulligan, Bill Butler, Karen Whitefield, Iain Gray, Bill Kidd, , Jamie Hepburn, Hugh O'Donnell, Jamie McGrigor, Mr Frank McAveety*, David Stewart*, *, Rhoda Grant*

S3M-2502# Murdo Fraser: Bannockburn Battlefield—That the Parliament observes the importance of the Battle of Bannockburn in Scottish history, where Robert the Bruce led a significant Scottish victory against the English in the Wars of Scottish Independence in June 1314; believes that Scotland’s historic battlefields are important to Scottish history and that the sites must be protected as a memorial to the men who fought and died in the battles as well as allowing future generations to visit the sites and learn more about Scotland’s past; notes the concerns of the National Trust for Scotland that the Bannockburn battlefield may fail to qualify for Historic Scotland’s planned inventory of battlefields as too much housing has already been allowed on and around the historic site, and considers that the battlefield site has already been subject to enough development and that it now requires protection to stop any future development.

Supported by: Cathy Peattie, Bill Aitken, Jamie McGrigor, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Robin Harper, Kenneth Gibson, Mary Scanlon, Bashir Ahmad, Elizabeth Smith, Nanette Milne, Jamie Hepburn, John Wilson, Jackson Carlaw, Dr Richard Simpson, , Hugh O'Donnell, Christine Grahame, Joe FitzPatrick, Dave Thompson*, Gil Paterson*

S3M-2497# Cathy Peattie: Sex and Power—That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Sex and Power 2008, the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s annual report looking at women in positions of power and influence across the public and private sector; notes the theme of the report, “missing women”, and its statement that “if women hope to shatter the glass ceiling and achieve equal representation, we would need to find the women who are missing from top positions of power in Scotland”; is concerned that despite higher academic attainment, with 57% of university students being women, women constitute only 7.4% of senior police officers, 11.8% of judges of the Court of Session and 13.6% of Scottish MPs and that, while Falkirk Council has women as leader of the administration and Chief Executive and in many senior posts, this is rare elsewhere, with women constituting only 12.5% of local authority chief executives and only 18.8% of local authority leaders; is further concerned that the report shows a declining percentage of women among public appointments, senior police officers, judges of the Court of Session, Scottish MPs and MSPs and highlights that ethnic minority women experience greater barriers in the workplace and are almost completely absent from positions of power; considers that Scotland is failing to get talented women into these positions and consequently is losing out on their contribution to Scotland’s social and political life and our economy, and believes that much more should be done to find the 130

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women missing from public appointments, the 85 missing women headteachers in secondary schools, the 21 missing women MSPs and many others, as identified by the report.

Supported by: Bashir Ahmad, Robin Harper, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, , Elaine Murray, , Sarah Boyack, Sandra White, Bill Butler, Jamie Hepburn, Elaine Smith, John Park, Dr Richard Simpson, Hugh O'Donnell, Margaret Curran, Trish Godman, Shirley-Anne Somerville*, Marlyn Glen*, *, Alison McInnes*

S3M-2486# Cathie Craigie: Muscle Disease Awareness Week—That the Parliament recognises Muscle Disease Awareness week, taking place from 20 to 27 September 2008, during which the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will publish a new report, Building on the Foundations: Scotland; is concerned that the report reveals that families with rare and debilitating conditions are being denied treatments that could prolong and improve their lives, particularly home ventilation and physiotherapy, and are faced with major delays in the provision of essential equipment and barriers to independent living; notes that care from a multidisciplinary team, with a lead professional or key worker to coordinate care, improves patient outcomes; welcomes the work of the Scottish Muscle Network to improve patient care in terms of quality, access and appropriateness, and hopes to achieve improved standards of care for all patients with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Patrick Harvie, Jackson Carlaw, David Stewart, Malcolm Chisholm, Elaine Murray, Bashir Ahmad, Hugh Henry, Jackie Baillie, David Whitton, Alex Neil, Margaret Curran, Elaine Smith, Iain Gray, Kenneth Gibson, Karen Gillon, Liam McArthur, Brian Adam, Marlyn Glen, Hugh O'Donnell, Karen Whitefield, Paul Martin, Nanette Milne, James Kelly, Sandra White, Sarah Boyack, Trish Godman, Angela Constance, Dr Richard Simpson, , , Joe FitzPatrick, George Foulkes, , Cathy Peattie, Jack McConnell, Gil Paterson*

S3M-2482# Trish Godman: Action on Thrombosis—That the Parliament notes with concern that, according to provisional figures from the Scottish Government, the total number of deaths from thrombosis in 2007 was 12,275, which represents 21% of all deaths in Scotland; further notes that in 2006 thrombosis killed more than fifty times the number of people who died from MRSA and Clostridium difficile combined, and therefore considers that action should be taken to increase awareness of thrombosis among the public and health professionals and establish an effective prevention strategy for thrombosis in Scottish hospitals, such as some sort of screening regime, to help save valuable NHS resources from treating a disease that can often be prevented if a patient knows they are at risk in the first place and to help avoid tragedies like that of Katie McPherson from Langbank, who died as a result of deep vein thrombosis.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Hugh Henry, Margaret Curran, David Whitton, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, George Foulkes, Elaine Smith, Jackson Carlaw, Iain Gray, Jackie Baillie, Karen Whitefield, Bill Butler, Hugh O'Donnell, Ms , Cathie Craigie, Elaine Murray, Sandra White, Sarah Boyack, Bill Kidd, Helen Eadie, Mary Mulligan, Ken Macintosh, Angela Constance, Dr Richard Simpson, Marilyn Livingstone, Cathy Peattie, Mary Scanlon, Stuart McMillan, Bill Wilson

S3M-2472# Stuart McMillan: Sailing and Boating Continues to Expand and Contribute to the Scottish Economy—That the Parliament acknowledges that sailing and boating continues to expand as an industry bringing substantial benefits to the economy and offering people jobs; notes that there are some 250,000 yachts in the United Kingdom, of which 15,000 are currently resident in Scotland and that, of these, approximately 5,000 are based on the River Clyde, with 3,000 in marinas and 2,000 on moorings in the Clyde; further notes that the leisure marine industry turnover in Scotland is £98.9 million per annum, that the industry employs 1,816 full-time equivalents in Scotland and supports 7,900 jobs and that the economic benefit of recreational boating in Scotland is estimated to be in excess of £250 million; acknowledges that further marina development is scheduled throughout Scotland with proposals for marinas in Greenock that would further enhance the reputation of sailing on the west coast; congratulates everyone connected with recreational sailing and boating for this economic success, and looks forward to even more economic delivery in the future.

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Supported by: Jamie McGrigor, , , Robin Harper, Kenneth Gibson, Ian McKee, Margaret Mitchell, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Bill Wilson, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Jackie Baillie, Ross Finnie, Brian Adam

S3M-2449# Keith Brown: All Aboard to Alloa, Again—That the Parliament notes the first journey by a passenger train from Dunfermline to Alloa in 28 years, by Pathfinder Tours, that took place by special arrangement with the route’s owners on Monday 27 August 2008; recognises that the rail route between Alloa and the Fife Circle does not currently meet specifications for regular passenger travel, with problems including inadequate signalling; believes, however, that the possibility of resuming regular passenger services is made more practical by there already being usable track over the route; also notes the potential for such a route to bring a rail service to Clackmannan and the West Fife villages, as well as a new direct route between Stirling and Edinburgh; further notes the stated long-term aim of SESTRAN to resume passenger services between Alloa and Dunfermline, and is encouraged that relevant bodies are increasingly taking steps to make more journeys like this one a reality.

Supported by: Rob Gibson, Alasdair Allan, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, John Park, Christine Grahame, Christopher Harvie, Bob Doris, Aileen Campbell, Robin Harper, Jamie Hepburn, Michael Matheson, Gil Paterson, Brian Adam*

S3M-2437# John Scott: Farming's Retreat from the Hills—That the Parliament notes the publication of the Scottish Agricultural College report, Farming’s Retreat from the Hills, detailing the dramatic and ongoing decline in sheep and, to a lesser extent, cattle numbers on Scotland’s hills; notes in particular that between 1998 and 2007 the national sheep flock declined by around 2.3 million animals with the impact especially felt in less favoured areas such as the north west Highlands and Ayrshire; further notes the potentially negative implications of this decline on wider rural economies and biodiversity, and therefore considers that all relevant agencies should carefully examine the findings of the report and consider what measures might be taken to alleviate the problems it outlines. R

Supported by: Bill Aitken, Bob Doris, Mary Scanlon, Bill Kidd, David Whitton, Kenneth Gibson, Rob Gibson, John Lamont, Murdo Fraser, Alex Johnstone, Jamie McGrigor, Derek Brownlee, Ian McKee, Margaret Mitchell, Nanette Milne, Jamie Hepburn, Roseanna Cunningham, Liam McArthur, Jim Hume, Annabel Goldie, Sarah Boyack

S3M-2423# Ian McKee: Childhood and Sport-Related Injuries—That the Parliament notes with concern the lack of data available in Scotland on childhood and sport-related injuries; understands, however, that Scotland has signed up to the Child Safety Action Plan, part of the European Commission’s public health programme that will provide an opportunity to address child safety; observes that Sweden, with its child injury and surveillance system, has the lowest rates of injury and the highest levels of sports activity in Europe, as well as obesity rates half that of the United Kingdom; notes the partnership between NHS Lothian and the Scottish Rugby Union, and hopes that this and similar initiatives to increase sport participation across deprived communities will include provision for surveillance and monitoring of injuries.

Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, David Stewart, Bill Wilson, John Park, Bill Kidd, Mary Scanlon, Gil Paterson, Elaine Smith, Rob Gibson, Robin Harper, Jamie Hepburn, Keith Brown, Joe FitzPatrick, Dr Richard Simpson, Elaine Murray, Sarah Boyack, Ken Macintosh, Karen Gillon, George Foulkes

S3M-2419# Jim Tolson: Alloa to Fife and Edinburgh Rail Link—That the Parliament notes that the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership has proposed that a feasibility study into a rail passenger service between Alloa or Stirling and Edinburgh via Fife should be sought; believes that the upgrading of the Charlestown Junction would allow a direct rail service between Alloa and Edinburgh and improve direct freight operations from the west coast via Stirling-Alloa and into Rosyth; notes that the usage of the newly reopened Stirling- Alloa rail service has greatly exceeded the forecast passenger numbers, and believes that there is a strong case for early work to explore the opportunities to increase the sustainable transport options available to people in the Stirling, Fife and Edinburgh areas.

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Supported by: Mike Pringle, John Park, Hugh O'Donnell, Robin Harper, Ted Brocklebank, Christopher Harvie*

S3M-2415# Sandra White: Glasgow: City of Music—That the Parliament congratulates the city of Glasgow on winning the UNESCO City of Music title, an achievement that makes Scotland the only nation in the world with two UNESCO Creative Cities, with Edinburgh having already been designated as a City of Literature; notes that Glasgow has long been renowned for its rich diversity of music and its strong cultural musical identity, and considers that this is a historic victory which highlights the wonderful musical talent and support and appreciation for it that exist in Glasgow and sends out a signal that Glasgow is a city of cultural excellence that enlivens the lives of all Glaswegians, musicians and people throughout the world.

Supported by: Bob Doris, Michael Matheson, Jamie Hepburn, Keith Brown

S3M-2374# Alasdair Allan: Gaelic Language Development—That the Parliament commends Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, along with other local authorities and public bodies, for the recent publication of their Gaelic language plans; likewise commends the Gaelic plan of the and the soon to be published Gaelic language plan of the Scottish Government; notes the important work done by the community and by many agencies and bodies in Scotland to maintain and develop the Gaelic language; recognises that in the coming few years it will become clear whether or not Gaelic is to survive as a community language, and therefore recognises that a sense of urgency in this area of policy is essential, particularly in respect of the expansion of Gaelic medium education, if we are to ensure that the number of speakers has, by the 2021 census, been stabilised at 2001 levels as the prerequisite for long term growth.

The member has provided the following Gaelic translation:

Gu bheil a’ Phàrlamaid a’ moladh Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, cho math ri ùghdarrasan ionadail agus buidheannan phoblach eile, airson na planaichean Gàidhlig aca fhoillseachadh o chionn ghoirid; gu bheil i cuideachd a’ moladh nam planaichean Gàidhlig aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba agus a’ phlana a tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba gu bhith a’ foillseachadh a dh’aithghearr; gu bheil i a’ toirt fa-near an obair chudromach a tha a’ choimhearsnachd agus tòrr bhuidheannan ann an Alba air dèanamh airson Gàidhlig a leasachadh agus a ghlèidheadh; gu bheil i ag aithneachadh gum fàs e soilleir anns na beagan bhliadhnaichean a tha romhainn am mair a’ Ghàidhlig mar chànan coimhearsnachd agus mar sin gu bheil i ag aithnicheadh gu bheil cùis- èiginn anns an roinn phoileasaidh seo, gu h-àraidh a thaobh leudachadh foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ma tha sinn a’ dol a dhèanamh cinnteach gu bheil àireamhan an luchd-labhairt aig àm cunntas-sluaigh 2021, air an glèidheadh aig ìrean 2001 mar riatanas airson fàs san fhad-ùine.

Supported by: Alex Neil, Stuart McMillan, Rob Gibson, Bashir Ahmad, Jamie Hepburn, Brian Adam, Bob Doris, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Aileen Campbell, Dave Thompson, Gil Paterson, Roseanna Cunningham, Keith Brown, Robin Harper, Christine Grahame, Shirley-Anne Somerville, John Wilson, Andrew Welsh, Ken Macintosh, Ted Brocklebank

S3M-2338# Christina McKelvie: Deserving Dignity - Children Seeking Sanctuary in Scotland—That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Deserving Dignity, the third report from the Independent Asylum Commission, in particular the recommendations relating to the treatment of children in the asylum system; notes the commission’s recognition of the additional support and opportunities offered to the children seeking sanctuary in Scotland, and encourages the Scottish Government to continue in its efforts to end the detention of children at the Dungavel detention centre, to work to implement the recommendations of the report and to continue in its efforts to improve the lives and opportunities of children seeking sanctuary in Scotland.

Supported by: Christine Grahame, Jamie Hepburn, Keith Brown

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S3M-2209# Roseanna Cunningham: Community First Responders—That the Parliament recognises and welcomes the service provided to rural communities, such as Comrie in Perthshire, by the First Response scheme; notes that Community First Responders are local volunteers who undertake training in order to be able to provide lifesaving treatment, in the first few minutes prior to the arrival of an ambulance, to those people in the community who are critically injured or ill, and looks forward to the scheme being developed in communities across Scotland.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Elizabeth Smith, Brian Adam, Christine Grahame, Robin Harper, Stuart McMillan, Nanette Milne, Alasdair Allan, Bashir Ahmad, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, John Lamont, Gil Paterson, Alex Neil, Jim Tolson, Christina McKelvie, Angela Constance, Rob Gibson, Michael Matheson, Jamie McGrigor

S3M-2143# Stuart McMillan: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Proposed Changes to Maternity Services—That the Parliament recognises that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is currently undertaking a consultation on proposed changes to maternity services in Clyde; notes that the consultation is proposing to remove birthing services from the Community Maternity Units (CMUs) at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock and the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria and centralise them both at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley; highlights that the CMUs have been in operation since 2003; further highlights that the Independent Scrutiny Panel initiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing recommended that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde maintain the CMUs for a further three years alongside a community education programme but this has been rejected by the board; further notes that in its consultation document the board states that it does “...not think there is anything to do to significantly improve this” in terms of promoting the usage of the CMU service, and invites the board to listen to the people of the Clyde area who wish the CMUs to remain open, an outcome which would also have the benefit of reducing the stress and strain on the staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Bob Doris, Alex Neil, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Wilson, Christina McKelvie, Jackson Carlaw, Jackie Baillie, Aileen Campbell, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Elaine Smith, Jamie Hepburn, Duncan McNeil

S3M-2137# Michael McMahon: Living and Dying with Advanced Heart Failure—That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Living and dying with advanced heart failure: a palliative care approach, by the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care with the support of British Heart Foundation Scotland and the Scottish Government; notes that people with heart failure have a worse prognosis and poorer quality of life than many cancer patients and that 50% of advanced heart failure patients die within a year of diagnosis, many of them suddenly and unexpectedly, particularly in the west of Scotland; believes that uncertainty around prognosis should not be a barrier to people with advanced heart failure, or those with any other condition, receiving appropriate palliative care; is concerned that, despite the recommendations of the CHD and Stroke Task Force in 2001 that provision needed to be made for palliative care for advanced heart failure, too many of these vulnerable patients are still not getting the care they need at the time that they need it most, and believes that account should be taken of the report’s recommendations and that the needs of patients with conditions other than cancer, like advanced heart failure, should be explicitly addressed in the forthcoming palliative care strategy and the refreshed CHD and Stroke Strategy.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Sarah Boyack, David McLetchie, Jackson Carlaw, Jackie Baillie, Marlyn Glen, James Kelly, Malcolm Chisholm, Hugh O'Donnell, Joe FitzPatrick, Elaine Smith, Cathie Craigie, Iain Gray, Elaine Murray, Karen Gillon, , Andy Kerr, Ross Finnie, Bill Butler, Robin Harper, Mary Mulligan, Karen Whitefield, George Foulkes, Cathy Peattie, Dr Richard Simpson, Marilyn Livingstone, Tom McCabe, Roseanna Cunningham

S3M-2096# Jamie Hepburn: Gie's the Nod—That the Parliament congratulates the Cumbernauld News and Strathclyde Police for working in conjunction with one another to run their “Gie’s the Nod” campaign which is designed to remind people of the need to inform the police of any criminal activity they may suspect is happening in their communities and

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welcomes the campaign as a means of highlighting the good work that has been undertaken to promote positive behaviour and good choices by young people, as well as that work which is being undertaken to bring to justice those responsible for criminal behaviour.

Supported by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Alasdair Allan, Rob Gibson, Kenneth Gibson, Bob Doris, Christina McKelvie, Alex Neil, Aileen Campbell, Elaine Smith, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Joe FitzPatrick, Michael Matheson

S3M-2008# Bill Butler: Refugee Week Scotland 2008—That the Parliament notes that 16 to 22 June is Refugee Week Scotland 2008; recognises the indomitable spirit and courage of the world’s 14 million refugees who endure enormous suffering without losing hope, finding the strength to overcome despair and start a new life against seemingly overwhelming odds; views Refugee Week as an important platform to promote and celebrate Scotland’s proud traditions of providing sanctuary and support which help rebuild shattered lives; further notes that over 70 arts, cultural, sports and educational events will take place across Scotland, including a reception to be held in the Parliament on Wednesday 18 June 2008, which will encourage positive encounters between around 10,000 asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland and their new communities, and values the cultural, social and economic contributions that refugees make to Scottish society.

Supported by: Robin Harper, Jamie Hepburn, Jackie Baillie, Hugh O'Donnell, Karen Whitefield, Jim Tolson, Elaine Murray, Michael McMahon, Jamie McGrigor, Mike Pringle, Liam McArthur, Christina McKelvie, Stuart McMillan, Bashir Ahmad, Christine Grahame, Patricia Ferguson, Sandra White, Patrick Harvie, Cathy Peattie, Brian Adam, Rob Gibson, George Foulkes, Joe FitzPatrick, Roseanna Cunningham, Bill Wilson, Marlyn Glen, Johann Lamont, Bob Doris, Mary Mulligan, Elaine Smith, Helen Eadie, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Malcolm Chisholm, Dr Richard Simpson, Robert Brown, Trish Godman, Pauline McNeill, Ross Finnie, Michael Matheson, , Gil Paterson, Jack McConnell, Tom McCabe, Keith Brown, John Park

S3M-1991# Margo MacDonald: Scanner Donation to NHS Lothian—That the Parliament believes that the Royal Bank of Scotland’s donation of a scanner to NHS Lothian, while generous and of undoubted value to the bank’s employees, the general public and medical researchers, nevertheless, if replicated by other companies or interests, represents possible external direction of NHS boards’ policies, priorities and resource management, and therefore calls for further debate on how donations are made to the NHS before precedents are established.

S3M-1975# Gavin Brown: South Edinburgh Suburban Railway—That the Parliament notes the wide public and cross-party political support that the campaign for the reopening of the South Sub railway has gathered; acknowledges the importance of the work carried out by groups such as Capital Rail Action Group (CRAG), E-Rail and TRANSform Scotland; observes that the most recent report on the reopening of the South Sub did not contain a benefit-cost ratio, which was positive in previous reports; believes that the reopening of the South Sub would ease the impact of traffic on the main routes into the city as well as playing an important role in the reduction of fuel emissions in the south of Edinburgh, and believes that there is a case for the reopening of passenger services on the South Edinburgh Suburban Railway.

Supported by: Elizabeth Smith, Mike Pringle, Jackson Carlaw, Jamie McGrigor, Bill Aitken, Murdo Fraser, David McLetchie, Robin Harper, Nanette Milne, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Ian McKee, Sarah Boyack

S3M-1972# Michael Matheson: Cancer Poverty—That the Parliament recognises the wider social impact of dealing and living with a cancer diagnosis, including the significant financial consequences of the disease; is concerned that 90% of people affected by cancer in the United Kingdom experience a significant drop in income and an increase in daily living expenses as a direct result of their diagnosis; welcomes the work of Macmillan Cancer Support, in partnership with the regional cancer advisory groups and local government, in developing a network of cancer-aware benefits advisors in Falkirk and across Scotland;

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supports the embedding of referral to benefits and financial advice within routine NHS clinical practice, and recognises the need to address cancer poverty in the Better Cancer Care strategy and ensure that financial advice becomes an integral part of every Scot’s cancer journey.

Supported by: , Stuart McMillan, Bashir Ahmad, Keith Brown, Alex Neil, Ken Macintosh, Jamie Hepburn, Jackson Carlaw, Ross Finnie, Des McNulty, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Hugh O'Donnell, Alasdair Allan, Kenneth Gibson, Cathy Peattie, Elaine Smith, Robin Harper, Jackie Baillie, Aileen Campbell, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Bill Wilson, Christina McKelvie, Nanette Milne, Ian McKee, Christine Grahame, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Butler, , Irene Oldfather, John Park, Angela Constance, Brian Adam, Rhoda Grant, , Jack McConnell

S3M-1964# Ted Brocklebank: Fife Energy Park—That the Parliament recognises the importance of renewables in Scotland’s energy equation; notes the endorsement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth of the importance of the energy park, based at Methil, Fife; further notes that there is an active campaign to restore the rail link between Levenmouth and Thornton junction; recognises that the Levenmouth area which includes Methil is among the most deprived parts of Fife and that there is growing local concern about the apparent lack of progress in developing the energy park, and considers that the momentum must be maintained in putting Methil and Levenmouth firmly at the heart of Scotland’s renewable energy industry.

Supported by: John Scott, David McLetchie, Mary Scanlon, Sandra White, Murdo Fraser, Robin Harper, Nanette Milne, Elizabeth Smith, Jamie McGrigor, Tricia Marwick, Claire Baker, Bill Aitken, Margaret Mitchell, John Park, Annabel Goldie, Keith Brown, Gil Paterson

S3M-1958# Stuart McMillan: Council Support For Attendance Allowance—That the Parliament welcomes the unanimous decision by East Dunbartonshire Council on 15 May 2008 to back Scottish Parliament calls to the Westminster Parliament to re-instate attendance allowance to Scotland; notes that the council has instructed its chief executive to write to the relevant Westminster minister to urge adherence to Lord Sutherland’s free personal care review, and welcomes the Labour councillors’ support for re- introducing the attendance allowance as compared with their parliamentary colleagues.

Supported by: Bob Doris, Rob Gibson, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Wilson, Christina McKelvie, Gil Paterson, Keith Brown, Willie Coffey, Alex Neil, Roseanna Cunningham, Brian Adam, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Ian McKee, Dave Thompson, Angela Constance

S3M-1950# Murdo Fraser: Action to Protect the Red Squirrel—That the Parliament is concerned at the continuing encroachment of the non-native grey squirrel in Scotland on native red squirrel territory, including parts of Mid-Scotland and Fife; notes that Scotland is the last stronghold in the United Kingdom for red squirrels and is home to approximately 120,000 reds, which accounts for 75% of the UK red squirrel population; observes that red and grey squirrels are unable to co-exist together in the same territory and that red squirrels eventually disappear due to competition for food and the carrying of the squirrel pox virus by grey squirrels which is harmless to them but fatal to reds; is alarmed to learn that the first grey squirrel was officially reported in the Highlands near Inverness in April 2008 and that the first red squirrel in Scotland contracted squirrel pox in the South of Scotland in May 2007, underlining the growing threat to red squirrels in Scotland, and believes that urgent action is required to protect the red squirrel, including research into immunocontraception for grey squirrels.

Supported by: Mary Scanlon, Bill Aitken, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Jim Hume, Jamie McGrigor, Jackson Carlaw, Bashir Ahmad, Elizabeth Smith, Nanette Milne, Christine Grahame, John Scott, Joe FitzPatrick, Elaine Murray, Alex Johnstone, Robin Harper, Patricia Ferguson, Marlyn Glen, Roseanna Cunningham, Mike Pringle, Bob Doris, Gil Paterson, Irene Oldfather, Jack McConnell, Dave Thompson, Cathy Peattie, Annabel Goldie, Peter Peacock

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S3M-1926# Elaine Murray: Success of First Year of Co-Operative Development Scotland—That the Parliament welcomes the success of Co-operative Development Scotland in promoting and facilitating the development of co-operative enterprises across Scotland since it became fully operational in April 2007; notes that research carried out by Heriot-Watt University in 2006 estimated the combined annual turnover of co-operatives and mutuals in Scotland to be around £4 billion; believes that the contribution of this sector to the Scottish economy nationally and to local urban and rural economies, such as that of Dumfries and Galloway, could be increased, and believes that government funding for Co-operative Development Scotland should be extended beyond March 2009.

Supported by: Jack McConnell, Johann Lamont R, Ken Macintosh, Andy Kerr, James Kelly, Claire Baker, John Park, Jackie Baillie, Bill Wilson, Cathy Jamieson, Iain Gray, Rhona Brankin, Margaret Curran, David Whitton, Bill Butler R, George Foulkes, Mary Mulligan, Patricia Ferguson, Dr Richard Simpson, Trish Godman, Karen Gillon, Mr Frank McAveety, Marilyn Livingstone, Karen Whitefield, Marlyn Glen, Cathy Peattie, Peter Peacock, Rhoda Grant, David Stewart

S3M-1924# Sandra White: Glasgow's Rich Architectural Heritage—That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that, after almost two decades of wrangling over ownership, the Egyptian Halls in Union Street, Glasgow, widely regarded as one of Alexander “Greek” Thomson’s greatest commercial masterpieces, will, after years of neglect, see restoration work begin early in 2009, which in turn will serve to support the ongoing rejuvenation of Union Street and to highlight Glasgow’s unrivalled eclectic architectural mix, and hopes that this positive outcome will serve as a catalyst to resolve other long-running disputes which threaten some of Glasgow's most iconic buildings, such as the Lion Chambers, an A-listed building in Hope Street famed for its dramatic “Scottish Skyscraper” style which was once the hub for the artisan community in Glasgow and which to this day still attracts international acclaim and interest.

Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Patrick Harvie, Rob Gibson, Willie Coffey, Joe FitzPatrick, Stuart McMillan, Christina McKelvie, Des McNulty, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Bob Doris, Jackson Carlaw, Bashir Ahmad, Alex Neil, Roseanna Cunningham, Iain Gray, Cathie Craigie, Andy Kerr, Jackie Baillie, David Whitton, Elaine Murray, James Kelly, Gil Paterson, Aileen Campbell, Keith Brown, Michael Matheson

S3M-1861# Keith Brown: Support for Veterans in Scotland—That the Parliament recognises that ex-service personnel in Ochil and throughout Scotland often suffer particular problems in areas such as health, employment, housing and pensions; welcomes the recent Scottish Government announcements of support for the Houses for Heroes Campaign, run by the Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Association, and the Scottish Veterans’ Fund, run in association with Veterans Scotland; believes that the commitment to assistance from a Scottish perspective is particularly important; further believes that the Parliament should be at the centre of the developing debate about how best to provide appropriate support to ex- service personnel, and welcomes any initiatives by the Scottish Government to continue to engage with the range of organisations involved in supporting ex-service personnel and addressing the challenges that they face.

Supported by: Christina McKelvie, Bashir Ahmad, Joe FitzPatrick, Alasdair Allan, Christine Grahame, Angela Constance, John Wilson, Brian Adam, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Alex Neil, Aileen Campbell, Roseanna Cunningham, Mike Pringle, Sandra White, Robin Harper, Bill Wilson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Dave Thompson, Nigel Don

S3M-1831# Patricia Ferguson: 2014: A Year of Sport for Scotland—That the Parliament recognises that 2014 will be a significant year for Scottish sport; notes that, in addition to the annual sporting events taking place that year, Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles; acknowledges that each event will bring international athletes to this country and will focus worldwide attention on Scotland; welcomes the variety of sporting opportunities that 2014 will present to Scotland, and believes that 2014

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should be designated “Scotland’s Year of Sport” in order to highlight the benefits that sport and physical activity bring to the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

Supported by: Bill Butler, Jack McConnell, , David Stewart, Marlyn Glen, Iain Gray, Elaine Smith, Helen Eadie, James Kelly, George Foulkes, David Whitton, Cathy Jamieson, Mary Mulligan, Trish Godman, John Park, Mr Frank McAveety, Cathie Craigie, Jackie Baillie, Elaine Murray, Karen Whitefield, Cathy Peattie, Paul Martin, Karen Gillon, Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, Dr Richard Simpson, Tom McCabe, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Baker, Des McNulty, Robert Brown, Bill Aitken, Robin Harper, Joe FitzPatrick, Ken Macintosh, Jim Tolson, Jamie Stone, Lewis Macdonald, Margaret Curran, Hugh O'Donnell, Michael McMahon, Johann Lamont, Bill Kidd, Patrick Harvie, Angela Constance, Mike Pringle, Pauline McNeill, Roseanna Cunningham, Claire Baker, Sandra White, Marilyn Livingstone

S3M-1610# Alison McInnes: Young Drivers - Reducing the Death Toll—That the Parliament notes with concern that one in three fatal road accidents in Scotland last year involved young people under the age of 25 and that three quarters of those crashes happened on rural roads; notes that this is particularly true in the Grampian region where 40% of fatalities were young drivers and so welcomes The Press and Journal’s Young Driver of the Year competition; further welcomes the competition entrants’ innovative recommendations on how the death toll on the roads could be reduced, and considers that all these recommendations should be examined in detail to see which proposals could be taken forward to improve the safety of young drivers in Scotland.

Supported by: Nanette Milne, Mike Pringle, Jim Tolson, Kenneth Gibson, Elizabeth Smith, Mike Rumbles, Sandra White, Jim Hume, Bill Kidd, Brian Adam, Jamie Hepburn, Des McNulty, Elaine Smith, Cathy Peattie, Gil Paterson, Marlyn Glen, Bob Doris, Trish Godman, Hugh O'Donnell, Robin Harper, Claire Baker, Hugh Henry, Dave Thompson, Alasdair Allan, Angela Constance, Sarah Boyack, Mary Scanlon, Tom McCabe, Nigel Don

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 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

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Community Initiative 24.10.07 Christine Grahame SNP Can't Afford to Foster 25.10.07 Michael McMahon LAB Public-Social Partnership Pilot in 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 9.01.08 Keith Brown SNP Government Powers to Ensure Terrestrial Broadcast of Sport 10.01.08 Des McNulty LAB The St Margaret of Scotland Hospice 16.01.08 Cathy Peattie LAB Young People in the Workplace 17.01.08 Roseanna Cunnigham SNP Defence Aviation and Repair Agency Almondbank - No To Privatisation 23.01.08 Patrick Harvie GRN Scottish Campuses Can Go Greener 24.01.08 George Foulkes LAB Time for Fresh Debate on Organ Donation 30.01.08 Margo MacDonald IND Maximising Migrants' Opportunities 31.01.08 Elizabeth Smith CON Extra-curricular Outdoor Education for Every School Pupil 06.02.08 Rob Gibson SNP Congratulations to the Fifth Annual Scots Trad Music Awards 07.02.08 Margaret Smith LD Edinburgh Park Railway Station 20.02.08 Marilyn Livingstone LAB Supporters Direct in Scotland 21.02.08 Jamie Hepburn SNP Central Scotland Rail Improvements 27.02.08 John Scott CON Recreational Sea Angling 28.02.08 Cathy Jamieson LAB Proposed Closure of Rural Schools 05.03.08 Trish Godman LAB Scottish Wheelchair Users and their Human Rights 06.03.08 Kenneth Gibson SNP Anorexia and Bulimia 12.03.08 David Thompson SNP Make Scotland's Roads Safer - Reduce the Drinking Limits 13.03.08 Aileen Campbell SNP No End in Sight to the War in Iraq 19.03.08 Patricia Feruson LAB Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight 20.03.08 Gil Paterson SNP Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human

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Beings 26.03.08 Jeremy Purvis LD Choices for People Coming to the End of Terminal Illness 27.03.08 Mary Scanlon CON Elgin Bypass 16.04.08 Hugh O’Donnell LD A Call for Better Epilepsy Care 17.04.08 Bill Butler LAB Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Report on Glasgow Crossrail

23.04.08 Mary Mulligan LAB Yes to Bathgate Business Improvement District 24.04.08 Tricia Marwick SNP Leven to Thornton Rail Link 30.04.08 Willie Coffey SNP Fenwick Weavers' Society and the Co-operative Model 01.05.08 Elaine Smith LAB Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living 07.05.08 Nanette Milne CON Alternative and Augmentative Communication 08.05.08 Alison McInnes LD RNIB Scotland's Right to Read Campaign 14.05.08 Christopher Harvie SNP Supermarket Dominance in Scottish Retailing 15.05.08 John Park LAB Upper Forth Crossing 21.05.08 David Stewart LAB Increasing Access to Insulin Pumps 22.05.08 Ian McKee SNP National Association of Youth Orchestras 28.05.08 Alasdair Allan SNP Fuel Costs 29.05.08 Angela Constance SNP No Recourse No Safety 04.06.08 Bill Butler LAB 60th Anniversary of the National Health Service 05.06.08 Jackson Carlaw CON Holocaust Education in Scotland 11.06.08 Jim Hume LD Tackling Excess Packaging 12.06.08 Lewis Macdonald LAB Best Value Audit of 18.06.08 Claire Baker LAB A Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme for Scotland 19.06.08 Sandra White SNP Glasgow Passport Office 25.06.08 Karen Whitefield LAB Sweet 16?: The Age of Leaving Care in Scotland 26.06.08 John Park LAB Rosyth to Zeebrugge Ferry Service 03.09.08 Ted Brocklebank CON Upgrading of the A92 04.09.08 Iain Smith LD Enforcement of Planning Legislation 10.09.08 Brian Adam SNP Shortage of Indian Chefs in Aberdeen 11.09.08 Nigel Don SNP Family Law Disputes 17.09.08 Jack McConnell LAB 2014: A Year of Sport for Scotland 18.09.08 Michael Matheson SNP Cancer Poverty

Record of Members’ Business Taken by the Parliament in Session 3

Party SNP LAB CON LD GRN IND TOTAL

Frequency (no.) 31 31 11 11 1 1 86 Frequency % 36 36 12.8 12.8 1.2 1.2 100

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BUSINESS MOTION

Date of Lodging: Short Title: Business Motion (Stirling) (SNP) on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau: That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business—

Wednesday 24 September 2008

2.30 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Debate: Scuddamore Report into Foot and Mouth followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business

Thursday 25 September 2008

9.15 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Independent Business

11.40 am General Question Time

12.00 pm First Minister’s Question Time

2.15 pm Themed Question Time Health and Wellbeing

2.55 pm Stage 3 Proceedings: Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Bill followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business

Wednesday 1 October 2008

2.15 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motion followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

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5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business

Thursday 2 October 2008

9.15 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Business

11.40 am General Question Time

12.00 pm First Minister’s Question Time

2.15 pm Themed Question Time Justice and Law Officers; Rural Affairs and the Enviornment

2.55 pm Scottish Government Business followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business

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BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 15 SEPTEMBER

DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 15 Constituency 1430-1700 Constituency Tuesday 16 0930-1230 Committees 1430-1700 Committees

Wednesday 17 1400 Time for Reflection

Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)

1405-1450 Ministerial Statement on Scottish Ambulance Service.

1450-1700 European and External Relations Committee Debate on International Development

Followed by Business Motion

Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)

1700 Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (Lab) S3M-02506 Jack McConnell: 2014 A Year in Sport

Thursday 18 0915 Parliamentary 1415-1455 Themed Question Time Bureau Motions (if [Education and Lifelong Learning; required) Europe, External Affairs and Culture]

0915-1140 Scottish 1455-1700 Economy, Energy and Government Debate on Tourism Committee Debate on Tourism Hill Farms and Less Favoured Areas. Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required) 1140 – 1200 General Question Time 1700 Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (SNP) S3M-01972 1200 - 1230 First Michael Matheson: Cancer Poverty Minister’s Question Time

Friday 19 Constituency Constituency

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BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 22 SEPTEMBER

DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 22 Constituency 1430-1700 Constituency Tuesday 23 0930-1230 Committees 1430-1700 Committees

Wednesday 24 1430 Time for Reflection

Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)

1435-1700 Scottish Government Debate on the Scuddamore Report into Foot and Mouth

Followed by Business Motion

Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)

1700 Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (SNP) Support for Veterans in Scotland

Thursday 25 0915 Parliamentary 1415-1455 Themed Question Time Bureau Motions (if [Health and Wellbeing] required) 1455-1700 Stage 3 Debate: Judiciary 0915-1140 Independent and Courts (Scotland) Bill Business Followed by Parliamentary Bureau 1140 – 1200 General Motions (if required) Question Time 1700 Decision Time followed by 1200 - 1230 First Members’ Business (Con) Action to Minister’s Question Protect the Red Squirrel Time

Friday 26 Constituency Constituency

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BUSINESS FOR WEEK COMMENCING 29 SEPTEMBER

DAY MORNING AFTERNOON Monday 29 Constituency 1430-1700 Constituency Tuesday 30 0930-1230 Committees 1430-1700 Committees

Wednesday 1 1415 Time for Reflection

Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions (if required)

1420-1435 SPCB Question Time

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 2 0915 Parliamentary 1415-1455 Themed Question Time Bureau Motions (if [Justice and Law Officers; Rural Affairs required) and the Environment]

0915-1140 Scottish 1455-1700 Scottish Government Government Business Business

1140 – 1200 General Followed by Parliamentary Bureau Question Time Motions (if required)

1200 - 1230 First 1700 Decision Time followed by Minister’s Question Time Members’ Business (LD)

Friday 3 Constituency Constituency

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PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU

Fire Evacuation Exercise

Background

1. The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) under the current Scottish fire safety legislation has the responsibility to ensure periodic fire drills/exercises are carried out.

2. A review of the fire evacuation exercise carried out during committee business in 12 December 2007 highlighted concerns regarding the requirements of all employers and employees to co-operate in relation to emergency fire procedures and it was recommended that another full evacuation be held before the conclusion of 2008. Such an exercise to be pre-announced and to involve parliamentary business.

3. The SPCB at its meeting of 21 May 2008 agreed to these recommendations and that the exercise should be undertaken immediately after Chamber business when there would be a large volume of people present in the building complex. This would allow for an effective test of the systems. In order to minimise disruption to Parliamentary business as well as building users and visitors the conclusion of First Minister’s Question Time (FMQT) has been identified as a suitable time to comply with the conditions of the SPCB decision.

Exercise

4. It is proposed to hold the fire evacuation on Thursday, 4 December 2008 immediately at the conclusion of FMQT.

Discussion

5. The Bureau is invited to note the intention to carry out such an exercise.

Parliamentary Business Team September 2008