Journal of the Scottish Parliament
No. 1 Wednesday 16 May 2001
The meeting opened at 2.30 pm.
1. Time for Reflection: Sister Maire Gallagher, Convener of Action of Churches Together in Scotland, led Time for Reflection.
2. Architecture and the Built Environment: The Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture (Allan Wilson) moved S1M-1929—That the Parliament acknowledges the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits that good architecture and a well designed built environment can bring to Scotland and further acknowledges the benefits of a national policy on architecture.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
3. Suspension of Standing Orders: Mr Tom McCabe, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1936—That the Parliament agrees that Rule 9.5.3B is suspended for the purpose of taking Stage 3 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
4. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 2 and 3 as noted above.
5. Rural and Islands GPs: The Parliament debated S1M-1897 in the name of Tavish Scott—That the Parliament notes the particular pressures relating to the delivery of primary health care in rural, remote and island areas of Scotland; supports the work of the Remote and Rural Resource Centre based at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, encourages consideration of the particular challenges of recruitment and retention of GPs in areas such as Shetland given the high on-call commitment made by GPs in small rural practices, recognises the importance of equity in the remuneration of GPs and encourages the further development of proposals to assist in their recruitment and retention in rural, remote and island areas.
The meeting closed at 5.52 pm.
No. 2 Thursday 17 May 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. Special Educational Needs: Irene McGugan, on behalf of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, moved S1M-1931—That the Parliament notes the 3rd Report 2001 of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Report on Inquiry into Special Educational Needs (SP Paper 264).
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
2. Suspension of Standing Orders: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1940—That the Parliament agrees that Rule 5.6.1(c) of the Standing Orders be suspended for the duration of the Meeting of the Parliament on Wednesday 23 May 2001.
The motion was agreed to.
3. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1939—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business—
Wednesday 23 May 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Standards Committee Debate on a Proposal for a Committee Bill to Establish a Standards Commissioner
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1935 Nora Radcliffe: Maternity Services in Gordon
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1926 Duncan McNeil: Local Newspaper Week, 14 to 20 May 2001
5.00 pm Decision Time
Thursday 24 May 2001
9.30 am Scottish National Party Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Ministerial Statement
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1921 Kay Ullrich: School Swimming Lessons
Wednesday 30 May 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1927 Des McNulty: Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd
Thursday 31 May 2001
9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1932 David McLetchie: Proposed Cuts to The Scottish Regiments
The motion was agreed to.
4. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
5. Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill – Stage 1: The Deputy Minister for Finance and Local Government (Peter Peacock) moved S1M-1843—That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill.
Mr Keith Harding moved amendment S1M-1843.1 to motion S1M-1843—
Leave out from “agrees” to end and insert—
“does not agree to the general principles of the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill because it believes that the Executive should give priority to the drafting of a Bill on Best Value so that it can be placed before the Parliament before the end of this year, and therefore calls upon the Executive to make an early announcement of its proposals, together with a timetable, for the publication of a draft bill to introduce a statutory framework for Best Value.”
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 14, Against 80, Abstentions 0).
The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 81, Against 13, Abstentions 0).
6. Approval of SSIs: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1933—That the Parliament agrees that the following instruments be approved—
the draft Justices of the Peace (Tribunal) (Scotland) Regulations 2001;
the draft Part-Time Sheriffs (Removal Tribunal) Regulations 2001; and
the draft Sex Offenders (Notice Requirements) (Foreign Travel) (Scotland) Regulations 2001.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
7. Motion without notice: Mr Tom McCabe, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be taken at 4.44 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
8. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 5 and 6 as noted above.
9. National Breastfeeding Awareness Week: The Parliament debated S1M-1859 in the name of Elaine Smith—That the Parliament notes the importance of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week from 13-19 May 2001; recognises that breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for babies and is good for mothers’ health too; notes with concern that the Guthrie Statistics from 1999 indicate that the two main hospitals serving constituents from Coatbridge and Chryston had the lowest percentage of breastfeeding mothers in Scotland, and believes that a national campaign is required to increase public acceptance that “breast is best” in an attempt to change attitudes to mothers breastfeeding in public places and encourage more mothers to breast-feed their babies.
The meeting closed at 5.35 pm.
No. 3 Wednesday 23 May 2001
The meeting opened at 2.30 pm.
1. Time for Reflection: The Reverend Alan G M Paterson, United Reformed Church, East Kilbride, led Time for Reflection.
2. Designation of Lead Committees: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1955—That the Parliament agrees the following designations of Lead Committee—
the Justice 1 Committee to consider the European Communities (Service of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/172); and
the Justice 2 Committee to consider the Sex Offenders (Notification Requirements) (Prescribed Police Stations) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/173).
The motion was agreed to (DT).
3. Proposal for a Committee Bill to Establish a Standards Commissioner: Mr Mike Rumbles, on behalf of the Standards Committee, moved S1M-1901—That the Parliament agrees to the proposal for a Committee Bill under Rule 9.15 contained in the Standards Committee’s 2nd Report 2001, Proposals for a Standards Commissioner Committee Bill (SP Paper 312).
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
4. Motion without notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be taken at 2.59 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
5. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 2 and 3 as noted above.
6. Maternity Services in Gordon: The Parliament debated S1M-1935 in the name of Nora Radcliffe—That the Parliament notes that under-use has been cited as the reason for a proposal to close the midwife-led maternity unit at Insch and District War Memorial Hospital and further notes that a recent local campaign making mothers-to-be aware of the option of local delivery increased the number of women choosing to be delivered there; recognises that there are legitimate local concerns that the midwife-led maternity unit which is to be retained at the Jubilee Hospital in Huntly, the next town, will also find itself under threat of closure in the future unless women are encouraged to use it, and therefore urges local GPs, Grampian Primary Care NHS Health Trust, and Grampian Health Board in consultation with the Scottish Executive to do much more to raise the status of midwives and make better use of their skills, to reverse the trend to ‘over-medicalise’ childbirth and to promote the attitude that birth is a natural process and should be treated as such.
7. Local Newspaper Week, 14 – 20 May 2001: The Parliament debated S1M-1926 in the name of Mr Duncan McNeil—That the Parliament welcomes Local Newspaper Week; recognises that local newspapers play a crucial role in their communities and can act as a focal point of community life; acknowledges that they provide valuable services such as scrutiny of local elected representatives and the championing of local causes; further acknowledges that they are a window on our communities and give us a unique opportunity to present all that is positive within our areas to a wider audience, and notes that the Greenock Telegraph is a fine example of these roles.
The meeting closed at 4.16 pm.
No. 4 Thursday 24 May 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. Justice: Roseanna Cunningham moved S1M-1958—That the Parliament notes with concern the developing crisis in the administration of Scotland’s justice system; recognises that public confidence in the criminal justice system is being eroded by the system’s inability to deal with the current level of prosecutions, and asserts that urgent action must now be taken to ensure that resourcing levels are assessed and addressed if this crisis is not to deepen.
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Iain Gray) moved amendment S1M-1958.1 to motion S1M-1958—
Leave out from “with concern” to end and insert—
“the increased resources going into the justice system as a whole; further notes the decision of the Justice 2 Committee to hold an inquiry into the operation of the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service, and looks forward to their report.”
After debate, the amendment was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 55, Against 35, Abstentions 1).
The motion as amended was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 55, Against 10, Abstentions 26).
Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament notes the increased resources going into the justice system as a whole; further notes the decision of the Justice 2 Committee to hold an inquiry into the operation of the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service, and looks forward to their report.
2. Education: Michael Russell moved S1M-1957—That the Parliament notes Labour’s failure to meet its 1997 and 1999 manifesto pledges with regard to class sizes in the early primary years and the failure of the Executive to meet the same targets, as set in its first programme for government; further notes the examples of good practice that indicate a direct correlation between class sizes substantially smaller than the Executive’s target and higher sustained levels of attainment; recognises also the clear results from programmes of class reduction that show the particularly strong effect which class sizes of 18 or less have on children suffering from social exclusion, and therefore calls upon the Executive to follow the SNP’s lead and work much harder to achieve real and meaningful reductions in class sizes in the early primary years, setting 18 as the maximum figure.
The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs (Mr Jack McConnell) moved amendment S1M-1957.1 to motion S1M-1957—
Leave out from first “notes” to end and insert—
“continues to support the framework for school improvement which it put in place in the Standards in Schools etc. Act 2000 and recognises that to achieve the highest possible standard for each and every pupil investment must be made across the whole of a child’s education, providing a quality experience in pre-school for every 3 and 4-year-old child, effective early intervention to ensure a good foundation in literacy and numeracy, support for all children with special educational needs, a modern, well-resourced school environment and a highly motivated, professional teaching staff.”
Mr Brian Monteith moved amendment S1M-1957.2 to motion S1M-1957—
Leave out from ”further notes” to end and insert—
“believes that there is no uniform homogenous educational system that can provide the right type of education for every child and that such a dogmatic approach should be replaced with a liberal and diverse system which provides specialisation by schools and more choice for parents; further believes that class size is only one aspect of educational provision which may help to improve standards in Scotland’s schools, and considers that greater devolution of decision making to teachers and parents should be the goal of the Scottish Executive.”
After debate, amendment S1M-1957.1 to motion S1M-1957 was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 55, Against 36, Abstentions 0). As a result, amendment S1M-1957.2 was pre-empted.
The motion as amended was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 79, Against 16, Abstentions 1).
Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament continues to support the framework for school improvement which it put in place in the Standards in Schools etc. Act 2000 and recognises that to achieve the highest possible standard for each and every pupil investment must be made across the whole of a child’s education, providing a quality experience in pre-school for every 3 and 4-year-old child, effective early intervention to ensure a good foundation in literacy and numeracy, support for all children with special educational needs, a modern, well-resourced school environment and a highly motivated, professional teaching staff.
3. Suspension of Standing Orders: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1962—That the Parliament agrees that Rules 9.5.3B and 9.7.9 of the Standing Orders be suspended on Wednesday 6 June 2001 for the purposes of the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill.
The motion was agreed to.
4. Committee of the Whole Parliament: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1961—That the Parliament agrees that, in accordance with Rule 9.7.1(b) of the Standing Orders, Stage 2 of the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill be taken in whole by a Committee of the Whole Parliament and directs that any vote to be taken shall be conducted using the electronic voting system.
The motion was agreed to.
5. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1956—That the Parliament agrees—
(a) the following programme of business:
Wednesday 30 May 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1927 Des McNulty: Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd
Thursday 31 May 2001
9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1932 David McLetchie: Proposed Cuts to the Scottish Regiments
Wednesday 6 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Business Motion
followed by Committee of the Whole Parliament: Stage 2 Debate on the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill
followed by, no
later than 4.00 pm Question Time
followed by, no
later than 4.40 pm First Minister's Question Time
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1867 Dorothy-Grace Elder: “Freedom from Pain” Campaign
and (b) that the Justice 1 Committee reports to the Justice 2 Committee by 28 May 2001 on the Sex Offenders (Notification Requirements) (Prescribed Police Stations) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/173) and that the Justice 2 Committee reports to the Justice 1 Committee by 28 May 2001 on the European Communities (Service of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/172).
The motion was agreed to.
6. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
7. Ministerial Statement: The Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Ross Finnie) made a statement on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
8. Motion without notice: Mr Tom McCabe, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that motion S1M-1966 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament.
The motion was agreed to.
9. Decision Time: Mr Tom McCabe, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1966—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 24 May 2001 shall begin at 16.43 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
10. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1 and 2 as noted above.
11. School Swimming Lessons: The Parliament debated S1M-1921 in the name of Kay Ullrich—That the Parliament notes the report compiled by Scottish Swimming, which highlights that almost 50% of local authorities in Scotland no longer provide school swimming lessons; acknowledges that this coincides with the report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents which records an increase in the number of children in Scotland who die as a result of drowning; recognises that the withdrawal of local authority provided school swimming lessons has a greater impact on children from less well off backgrounds, and calls on the Scottish Executive to encourage local authorities to ensure that every pupil has access to at least one publicly funded course of swimming lessons prior to leaving primary school.
The meeting closed at 5.26 pm.
No. 5 Wednesday 30 May 2001
The meeting opened at 2.30 pm.
1. Time for Reflection: Dr Alex Reid, Parliamentary Officer for the Baha’i Council for Scotland, led Time for Reflection.
2. Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill – Business Motion: Tricia Marwick, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1977—That the Parliament agrees that the time for consideration of Stage 3 of the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill be allocated as follows, so that debate on each part of the proceedings, if not previously brought to a conclusion, shall be brought to a conclusion on the expiry of the specified period (calculated from the time when Stage 3 begins)—
Group 1 to Group 3 – no later than 50 minutes
Group 4 to Group 8 – no later than 1 hour 20 minutes
Group 9 to Group 15 – no later than 2 hours
Motion to pass the Bill – no later than 2 hours 30 minutes.
The motion was agreed to.
3. Designation of Lead Committee: Tricia Marwick, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1973—That the Parliament agrees the following designation of Lead Committee—
the Justice 2 Committee to consider the Sex Offenders (Notification Requirements) (Prescribed Police Stations) (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/190).
The motion was agreed to (DT).
4. Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3.
The following amendments were agreed to without division: 1, 14, 15, 2, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 41, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 7, 8, 29, 9, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 11, 12, 38, 13, 39.
The following amendments were agreed to (by division)—
16 (For 65, Against 14, Abstentions 0)
40 (For 67, Against 14, Abstentions 0)
The following amendments were disagreed to (by division)—
44 (For 14, Against 63, Abstentions 0)
46 (For 19, Against 62, Abstentions 0)
Amendment 43 was moved and, with the agreement of the Parliament, withdrawn.
5. Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice (Mr Jim Wallace) moved S1M-1941—That the Parliament agrees that the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill be passed.
After debate, the motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 59, Against 1, Abstentions 12).
6. Motion without notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that S1M-1980 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament.
The motion was agreed to.
7. Decision Time: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1980—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Wednesday 30 May 2001 shall begin at 4.33 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
8. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 3 and 5 as noted above.
9. Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd.: The Parliament debated S1M-1927 in the name of Des McNulty—That the Parliament welcomes the successful outcome of the campaign at Westminster led by Clydebank MP Tony Worthington on behalf of asbestos disease sufferers affected by the collapse of Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd; congratulates Chancellor Gordon Brown and Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell on their role in hammering out a deal between Her Majesty’s Treasury and the insurance companies to ensure that compensation is paid; notes that asbestos-related disease has led to more than 1,800 deaths in Scotland since 1997, and believes that the Scottish Executive can assist in preventing further distress to sufferers and their families by doing everything within its power to ensure that legal actions relating to compensation claims are not subject to delays in the Scottish courts.
The meeting closed at 5.04 pm.
No. 6 Thursday 31 May 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill — Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1979—That the Parliament agrees that the time for consideration of Stage 3 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill be allocated as follows, so that debate on each part of the proceedings, if not previously brought to a conclusion, shall be brought to a conclusion on the expiry of the specified period (calculated from the time when Stage 3 begins)—
Group 1 to Group 4 – no later than 45 minutes
Group 5 to Group 10 – no later than 1 hour 45 minutes
Group 11 to Group 13 – no later than 2 hours 30 minutes
Group 14 to Group 16 – no later than 3 hours
Motion to pass the Bill – no later than 3 hours 30 minutes
The motion was agreed to.
2. Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill — Suspension of Standing Orders: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1975—That the Parliament agrees that Rule 5.6.1(c) of the Standing Orders be suspended for the duration of the Meeting of the Parliament on Wednesday 13 June 2001.
The motion was agreed to.
3. Housing (Scotland) Bill - Order of Consideration: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1974—That the Parliament agrees that amendments at Stage 3 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill be disposed of by reference to the following order of consideration: sections in the order in which they arise in the Bill, each schedule after the sections which introduce it, and the long title last.
The motion was agreed to.
4. Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3.
The following amendments were agreed to without division: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 78, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 79, 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69.
Amendment 34 was agreed to (by division: For 53, Against 40, Abstentions 0).
Amendment 76 was disagreed to (by division: For 37, Against 54, Abstentions 0).
The following amendments were moved and, with the agreement of the Parliament, withdrawn: 72, 75.
Other amendments were not moved.
5. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1972—That the Parliament agrees
(a) the following programme of business:
Wednesday 6 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Business Motion
followed by Committee of the Whole Parliament: Stage 2 Debate on the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill
followed by, no
later than 4.00 pm Question Time
followed by, no
later than 4.40 pm First Minister's Question Time
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1783 Brian Adam: Prescription Charge Exemption for Severe and Enduring Mental Illness
Wednesday 13 June 2001
9.30 am Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
2.30 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
7.00 pm Decision Time
Thursday 14 June 2001
9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Executive Business
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business
and (b) that the Justice 1 Committee reports to the Justice 2 Committee by 11 June 2001 on the Sex Offenders (Notification Requirements) (Prescribed Police Stations) (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2001 (SSI 2001/190)
The motion was agreed to.
6. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
7. Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Minister for Health and Community Care (Susan Deacon) moved S1M-1965—That the Parliament agrees that the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Bill be passed.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
8. Motion without notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that S1M-1982 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament.
The motion was agreed to.
9. Decision Time: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1982—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Thursday 31 May 2001 shall begin at 4.08 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
10. Decision Time: The Parliament took a decision on item 7 as noted above.
11. Proposed Cuts to the Scottish Regiments: The Parliament debated S1M-1932 in the name of David McLetchie—That the Parliament believes that the proposed substantial cuts to the size of both the regular army and the Territorial Army will undermine the efficiency and morale of the British armed forces, damage our military capability and threaten the future of Scotland’s historic frontline regiments.
The meeting closed at 4.50 pm.
No. 7 Wednesday 6 June 2001
The meeting opened at 2.30 pm.
1. Time for Reflection: Professor William Storrar, Director, Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh, led Time for Reflection.
2. Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill – Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1991—That the Parliament agrees that, on Wednesday 6 June, the meeting of the Committee of the Whole Parliament to take Stage 2 of the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill should begin immediately the first meeting of the Parliament that day has closed and end no later than 3.30 pm, and that at the second meeting of the Parliament, consideration of Stage 3 of the Bill should end by 4.00 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
3. Designation of Lead Committee: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1990—That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government Committee is designated as Lead Committee in consideration of the Police and Fire Services (Finance) (Scotland) Bill and that the Bill should also be considered by the Finance Committee, the Justice 1 Committee and the Justice 2 Committee.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
4. Approval of SSI: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1989—That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government Finance (Scotland) (No.2) Order 2001 be approved.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
5. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1993—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business—
Wednesday 13 June 2001
9.30 am Time for Reflection
followed by Oath Taking
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
2.30 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
7.00 pm Decision Time
Thursday 14 June 2001
9.30 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Executive Business
followed by Procedures Committee Debate on its Reports on Written Parliamentary Questions and Changes to Standing Orders
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business – debate on the subject of S1M-1937 Cathy Jamieson: Adult Learners’ Week
Wednesday 20 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business
Thursday 21 June 2001
9.30 am Scottish National Party Business
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members’ Business
The motion was agreed to.
The meeting closed at 2.36 pm.
A second meeting opened at 2.38 pm.
6. Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill – Stage 3: The Deputy Minister for Finance and Local Government (Peter Peacock) moved S1M-1981—That the Parliament agrees that the Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill be passed.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
7. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
8. Motion without notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that S1M-1995 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament.
The motion was agreed to.
9. Decision Time: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-1995—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Wednesday 6 June 2001 shall begin at 3.48 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
10. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 3, 4 and 6 as noted above.
11. Prescription Charge Exemption for Severe and Enduring Mental Illness: The Parliament debated S1M-1783 in the name of Brian Adam—That the Parliament welcomes Mental Health Week in the second week in April; notes the omission of severe and enduring mental illness from the scope of the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations 1974; expresses concern at the incidence of suicide amongst high-risk groups identified in the Mental Welfare Commission Annual Report 1999-2000, and agrees with the conclusion of the Millan report that essential medication for chronic mental conditions is fundamental to successful care in the community.
The meeting closed at 4.15 pm.
Committee of the Whole Parliament
No.7A Wednesday 6 June 2001
The meeting opened at 2.36 pm.
1. Scottish Local Authorities (Tendering) Bill – Stage 2: The Bill was considered at Stage 2.
Sections 1 and 2 and the long title were agreed to without amendment.
The meeting closed at 2.38 pm.
No. 8 Wednesday 13 June 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. Time for Reflection: The Reverend Kenneth D. Macleod, Minister of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, led Time for Reflection.
2. Oaths and Affirmations: The following members took the oath of allegiance before the Clerk—
Brian Fitzpatrick
Stewart Stevenson
3. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2003—That the Parliament agrees the following revisions to the Business Motion agreed on 6 June 2001—
Wednesday 13 June 2001
after ‘Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill’, delete
‘2.30 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill’ and insert:
‘2.00 pm Continuation of Stage 3 Debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill’
Thursday 14 June 2001
delete all for that day and insert:
‘9.30 am Stage 1 Debate on the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill
followed by Financial Resolution in respect of the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill
followed by Procedures Committee Debate on its Reports on Written Parliamentary Questions and Changes to Standing Orders
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm European Committee Debate on its Report on the Common
Fisheries Policy
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1937 Cathy Jamieson: Adult Learners’ Week’
The motion was agreed to.
4. Housing (Scotland) Bill – Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2008—That the Parliament agrees that the time for consideration of Stage 3 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill be allocated as follows, so that debate on each part of the proceedings, if not previously brought to a conclusion, shall be brought to a conclusion on the expiry of the specified period (calculated from the time when Stage 3 begins and excluding any periods when the meeting is suspended)—
Group 1 to Group 6 – no later than 1 hour 30 minutes
Group 7 to Group 10 – no later than 2 hours 30 minutes
Group 11 to Group 15 – no later than 4 hours
Group 16 to Group 24 – no later than 6 hours
Group 25 to Group 32 – no later than 7 hours
Motion to pass the Bill – no later than 7 hours 30 minutes
The motion was agreed to.
5. Housing (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3:
The following amendments were agreed to without division: 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 153, 40, 42, 43, 151, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 62, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 83, 84, 85, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 198, 129, 130, 131, 134, 175, 135, 139, 189, 147, 148, 149.
The following amendments were agreed to by division—
27 (For 66, Against 44, Abstentions 1)
59 (For 68, Against 27, Abstentions 2)
The following amendments were disagreed to (by division)—
20 (For 32, Against 70, Abstentions 0)
21 (For 33, Against 80, Abstentions 0)
2 (For 31, Against 79, Abstentions 1)
4 (For 33, Against 80, Abstentions 0)
5 (For 31, Against 81, Abstentions 1)
6 (For 30, Against 83, Abstentions 1)
7 (For 44, Against 67, Abstentions 2)
32 (For 30, Against 81, Abstentions 0)
35 (For 2, Against 109, Abstentions 0)
38 (For 17, Against 93, Abstentions 0)
39 (For 2, Against 105, Abstentions 0)
154 (For 31, Against 80, Abstentions 0)
44 (For 31, Against 81, Abstentions 1)
47 (For 31, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
194 (For 4, Against 109, Abstentions 0)
52 (For 30, Against 79, Abstentions 0)
53 (For 2, Against 105, Abstentions 1)
155 (For 2, Against 93, Abstentions 0)
67 (For 2, Against 102, Abstentions 0)
73 (For 31, Against 80, Abstentions 0)
75 (For 17, Against 98, Abstentions 0)
9 (For 35, Against 84, Abstentions 1)
81 (For 50, Against 68, Abstentions 1)
157 (For 35, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
158 (For 34, Against 85, Abstentions 0)
159 (For 33, Against 86, Abstentions 0)
160 (For 35, Against 84, Abstentions 0)
162 (For 35, Against 86, Abstentions 0)
164 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
166 (For 34, Against 86, Abstentions 0)
168 (For 34, Against 86, Abstentions 0)
89 (For 35, Against 85, Abstentions 0)
90 (For 33, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
91 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
170 (For 35, Against 84, Abstentions 0)
127 (For 35, Against 86, Abstentions 1)
128 (For 32, Against 85, Abstentions 2)
196 (For 33, Against 85, Abstentions 2)
197 (For 33, Against 86, Abstentions 2)
200 (For 36, Against 84, Abstentions 0)
172 (For 36, Against 83, Abstentions 1)
173 (For 37, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
201 (For 36, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
202 (For 36, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
174 (For 34, Against 85, Abstentions 1)
137 (For 34, Against 84, Abstentions 1)
176 (For 31, Against 81, Abstentions 2)
179 (For 33, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
180 (For 48, Against 67, Abstentions 0)
181 (For 46, Against 66, Abstentions 0)
182 (For 48, Against 67, Abstentions 0)
183 (For 49, Against 68, Abstentions 0)
184 (For 49, Against 67, Abstentions 0)
10 (For 34, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
140 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
141 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
11 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
142 (For 2, Against 114, Abstentions 0)
143 (For 3, Against 110, Abstentions 0)
144 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 0)
185 (For 50, Against 67, Abstentions 1)
187 (For 51, Against 67, Abstentions 0)
188 (For 51, Against 66, Abstentions 0)
12 (For 51, Against 67, Abstentions 0)
146 (For 34, Against 83, Abstentions 1)
190 (For 35, Against 82, Abstentions 0)
Amendment 199 was moved and, with the agreement of the Parliament, withdrawn.
Other amendments were not moved or were pre-empted.
6. Housing (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Minister for Social Justice (Jackie Baillie) moved S1M-2000—That the Parliament agrees that the Housing (Scotland) Bill be passed.
After debate, the motion was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 114, Against 1, Abstentions 0).
7. Decision Time: The Parliament took a decision on item 6 as noted above.
The meeting closed at 7.22 pm.
No.9 Thursday 14 June 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1: The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice (Mr Jim Wallace) moved S1M-1838—That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
2. International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill – Financial Resolution: The Deputy Minister for Finance and Local Government (Peter Peacock) moved S1M-1833—That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill, agrees to the expenditure payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund of the expenses of the Scottish Ministers in consequence of the Act.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
3. Written Parliamentary Questions and Changes to Standing Orders: Mr Murray Tosh, on behalf of the Procedures Committee, moved S1M-2002—That the Parliament accepts
(a) the terms of the 2nd Report, 2001 of the Procedures Committee, Report into the Volume of Written Parliamentary Questions and the Scottish Executive’s Speed of Response, and Related Matters (SP Paper 346); agrees to amend the Standing Orders in terms of the amendment set out in Annexe F to the Report, and agrees that this amendment should come into force on 15 June 2001; and
(b) the terms of the 3rd Report, 2001 of the Procedures Committee, Changes to the Standing Orders of the Parliament (SP Paper 347); agrees to amend the Standing Orders in terms of the amendments set out in Annexe A to the Report, and agrees that these amendments should come into force on 15 June 2001.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
4. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2004—That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business—
Wednesday 20 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Stage 3 Debate on the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1976 Karen Whitefield: National Carers’ Week: 11-17 June 2001
Thursday 21 June 2001
9.30 am Scottish National Party Business
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Debate on Holyrood Project
followed by Motion on Members’ Allowances
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1959 Donald Gorrie: Young Carers
Wednesday 27 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1740 Michael Matheson: Lung Disease in Scotland
Thursday 28 June 2001
9.30 am Committee Business
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1970 Miss Annabel Goldie: Endometriosis
The motion was agreed to.
5. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
6. Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy: Hugh Henry, on behalf of the European Committee, moved S1M-2006—That the Parliament notes the 3rd Report, 2001 of the European Committee, Reforming the Common Fisheries Policy: A Blueprint for Negotiations (SP Paper 330) and commends the Report’s recommendations to the Scottish Executive.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
7. Approval of SSIs: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2005—That the Parliament agrees that the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) (Orkney) (Scotland) Order 2001 (SSI 2001/195) be approved.
The motion was agreed to (DT).
8. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 as noted above.
9. Adult Learners’ Week: The Parliament debated S1M-1937 in the name of Cathy Jamieson—That the Parliament recognises Adult Learners’ Week between 12 and 18 May 2001; supports the goal of making lifelong learning a central theme of working life; commends the work done by the trade union movement in promoting learning and training opportunities in the workplace, and asks the Scottish Executive to continue with its work in creating a culture of lifelong learning among the people of Scotland.
The meeting closed at 5.37 pm.
No.10 Wednesday 20 June 2001
The meeting opened at 2.41 pm.
1. Time for Reflection: The Right Reverend John A Mone, Bishop of Paisley, led Time for Reflection.
2. Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill – Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2025—That the Parliament agrees that, at Stage 3 of the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill, debate on each part of the proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated (each time limit being calculated from when Stage 3 begins and excluding any periods when the meeting is suspended)—
Group 1 and Group 2 – no later than 1 hour
Group 3 and Group 4 – no later than 1 hour 55 minutes
Motion to pass the Bill – no later than 2 hours and 25 minutes
The motion was agreed to.
3. Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: The Bill was considered at Stage 3.
The following amendments were agreed to without division: 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.
The following amendments were agreed to by division—
1 (For 68, Against 16, Abstentions 23)
2 (For 72, Against 20, Abstentions 19)
3 (For 90, Against 3, Abstentions 18)
5 (For 90, Against 3, Abstentions 20)
The following amendments were disagreed to (by division)—
10 (For 41, Against 73, Abstentions 0)
11 (For 38, Against 77, Abstentions 0)
4. Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3: Cathie Craigie moved S1M-2007—That the Parliament agrees that the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Bill be passed.
After debate, the motion was agreed to (DT).
5. Designation of Lead Committee: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2029—That the Parliament agrees the following designation of Lead Committee—
the Justice 2 Committee to consider the Gaming Act (Variation of Fees) (No.2) (Scotland) Order 2001 (SSI 2001/230).
The motion was agreed to (DT).
6. Motion without notice: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved without notice that S1M-2032 be taken at this meeting of the Parliament.
The motion was agreed to.
7. Decision Time: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2032—That the Parliament agrees under Rule 11.2.4 of the Standing Orders that Decision Time on Wednesday 20 June 2001 shall begin at 4.32 pm.
The motion was agreed to.
8. Decision Time: The Parliament took decisions on items 4 and 5 as noted above.
9. National Carers Week, 11-17 June 2001: The Parliament debated S1M-1976 in the name of Karen Whitefield—That the Parliament pledges its support to National Carers’ Week from 11 to 17 June 2001; acknowledges the huge contribution which carers make to society as the mainstay of care in the community; welcomes the publication of the report from the Scottish Carers’ Legislation Working Group and the ongoing consultation by the Scottish Executive on proposals for carers’ legislation; notes with concern the findings in the Carers’ National Association Scotland research document You can take him home now on carers’ experience of hospital discharge, and urges the Scottish Executive to consider the findings of that document during the formulation of its next Programme for Government and to work with health boards and organisations throughout Scotland to implement the recommendations made in the report and the research document.
The meeting closed at 5.22 pm.
No.11 Thursday 21 June 2001
The meeting opened at 9.30 am.
1. Scotland’s Place in the World: Mr John Swinney moved S1M-2030—That the Parliament welcomes the political declaration by the governments of Bavaria, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Salzburg, Scotland, Wallonia and Flanders on the future of the European Union, signed by the First Minister on 28 May 2001; calls upon the Scottish Executive to ensure that any future European or other international agreements signed by the First Minister are carried out with greater transparency and involvement of the Parliament, and recognises that such initiatives are important steps towards Scotland becoming an independent country in the European Union, engaging fully in the community of nations.
The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs (Mr Jack McConnell) moved amendment S1M-2030.2 to motion S1M-2030—
Leave out from “calls upon” to end and insert—
“recognises that such initiatives play a part in Scotland enjoying profile and influence in Europe and the rest of the world as a dynamic country within the United Kingdom, and firmly rejects the view that Scotland can only achieve international prominence by separating itself from the United Kingdom.”
After debate, the amendment was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 67, Against 52, Abstentions 0).
Ben Wallace moved amendment S1M-2030.1 to motion S1M-2030—
Leave out from “welcomes” to end and insert—
“expresses its concern at the signing by the First Minister of the political declaration by the constitutional regions of Bavaria, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Salzburg, Scotland, Wallonia and Flanders without prior consultation with or intimation to the Parliament; notes that the content of the declaration contradicts Her Majesty’s Government’s policy and undermines the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, and further affirms that Scotland’s position is best represented within the union that is the United Kingdom, which brings economic, social and cultural benefits to the people.”
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 18, Against 102, Abstentions 0).
The motion as amended was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 69, Against 50, Abstentions 0).
Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament welcomes the political declaration by the governments of Bavaria, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Salzburg, Scotland, Wallonia and Flanders on the future of the European Union, signed by the First Minister on 28 May 2001; recognises that such initiatives play a part in Scotland enjoying profile and influence in Europe and the rest of the world as a dynamic country within the United Kingdom, and firmly rejects the view that Scotland can only achieve international prominence by separating itself from the United Kingdom.
2. Central Heating for Elderly People: Fiona Hyslop moved S1M-2023—That the Parliament notes the introduction of a national central heating installation programme announced by the Scottish Executive on 19 September 2000; welcomes the principle of the programme, but expresses regret that the original amount of money announced to be invested in the programme was exaggerated, that those living in public housing in proposed stock transfer areas have been barred from participation, that the definition of eligibility to take part has been drawn too tightly and that those with old, ineffective, broken or partial heating systems have been excluded; believes that the Scottish Executive should come forward with an accurate appraisal of the investment available for the programme and new eligibility criteria which expand the range of people able to participate, and further believes that the programme should include those living in the public sector in proposed stock transfer areas and those with old, ineffective, broken or partial heating systems.
The Minister for Social Justice (Jackie Baillie) moved amendment S1M-2023.2 to motion S1M-2023—
Leave out from “notes” to end and insert—
“commends the Scottish Executive for its commitment to ensuring that all elderly households and all households in the social rented sector in Scotland have central heating by April 2005, one year earlier than anticipated, for the proposed extension of the scheme currently under consideration, for the investment it has already made through the Warm Deal in providing insulation to 80,000 homes occupied by vulnerable households, for the provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill which extend the scope of the improvement grant system to include energy efficiency measures, for the provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill which require Scottish Ministers and local authorities to set out what they will do to address fuel poverty and for the investment in local authority and housing association property to improve housing quality.”
Bill Aitken moved amendment S1M-2023.1 to motion S1M-2023—
Leave out from “that those living” to end.
After debate, amendment S1M-2023.2 was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 67, Against 52, Abstentions 1). As a result, amendment S1M-2023.1 was pre-empted.
The motion as amended was then agreed to ((DT) by division For 67, Against 23, Abstentions 30).
Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament commends the Scottish Executive for its commitment to ensuring that all elderly households and all households in the social rented sector in Scotland have central heating by April 2005, one year earlier than anticipated, for the proposed extension of the scheme currently under consideration, for the investment it has already made through the Warm Deal in providing insulation to 80,000 homes occupied by vulnerable households, for the provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill which extend the scope of the improvement grant system to include energy efficiency measures, for the provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill which require Scottish Ministers and local authorities to set out what they will do to address fuel poverty and for the investment in local authority and housing association property to improve housing quality.
3. Ministerial Statement: The Minister for Finance and Local Government (Angus Mackay) made a statement on Modernising Government: Non-Departmental Public Bodies.
4. Business Motion: Euan Robson, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, moved S1M-2026—That the Parliament agrees:
(a) the following programme of business—
Wednesday 27 June 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Executive Debate on Serious Violent and Sexual Offenders
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1740 Michael Matheson: Lung Disease in Scotland
Thursday 28 June 2001
9.30 am Stage 1 Debate on the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Bill
followed by Finance Committee Debate on the 2002/2003 Budget Process
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Debate on the New Opportunities Fund
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1970 Annabel Goldie: Endometriosis
and (b) that the Justice 1 Committee reports to the Justice 2 Committee by 25 June 2001 on the Gaming Act (Variation of Fees) (No.2) (Scotland) Order 2001 (SSI 2001/23.
The motion was agreed to.
5. Question Time: Questions were answered by the First Minister and other Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers.
6. Holyrood Project: Des McNulty, on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, moved S1M-2012—That the Parliament notes the terms of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s (SPCB) report of 13 June 2001; notes that £60 million of the construction costs for the new Parliament building has been committed to date and that a further £57 million (at 1998 prices) remains to be let; further notes that building industry inflation is currently estimated to be adding at least 16% to the costs of packages remaining to be let and that under the construction management contract there are additional and not fully quantifiable risks to which the project may be exposed between now and completion; directs the SPCB, through the Holyrood Progress Group, to work with the design and project teams to complete the project without compromising quality, while managing risks rigorously, and requires the SPCB, on a quarterly basis, to provide information to the Parliament’s Finance Committee on the progress of the project in respect of inflation and materialisation of risk in order to inform the committee’s consideration of the annual Budget Bill.
Michael Russell moved amendment S1M-2012.3 to motion S1M-2012—
After “rigorously” insert –
“calls on the Scottish Executive to work with the SPCB to agree a financial plan for the completion of the project which has no adverse implications for revenue expenditure on public services in Scotland and which recognises that the project must be funded through normal procedures for major capital works, for example through borrowing at government rates; further demands that the Scottish Executive appoint a minister to attend the progress group in order to engage the Executive fully in the project and its financing; notes that the financial and other problems of the project now being tackled by the progress group are a result of deeply flawed decisions made by Westminster politicians prior to the establishment of the Parliament and by repeated misinformation thereafter from New Labour and the Scottish Executive on the likely costs of the project,”
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 33, Against 84, Abstentions 3).
David McLetchie moved amendment S1M-2012.1 to motion S1M-2012—
Leave out from “without” to end and insert—
“within the previously approved cost ceiling of £195 million, and to this end calls on the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in conjunction with the Scottish Executive to consider alternative methods of funding elements of the project through partnership with the private sector which will achieve that cost target and avoid cuts in other budgets.”
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 19, Against 100, Abstentions 1).
The motion was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 75, Against 33, Abstentions 10).
7. Members Allowances, Equipment and Furniture Schemes: Des McNulty, on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, moved S1M-2034 —That the Parliament—
(a)
(i) directs the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (the SPCB) to provide information technology and other office equipment in accordance with the Equipment and Furniture Scheme annexed hereto as Annex One;
(ii) determines that the said Equipment and Furniture Scheme shall come into effect from the first date when a member takes the oath or affirmation after the next ordinary or as the case may be, extraordinary, general election, except in relation to a new member returned prior to the next general election under section 9 or 10 of the Scotland Act 1998, when the Scheme shall come into effect for that member on the date when such member takes the oath or affirmation;
(b)
(i) confers functions upon the SPCB to pay allowances in each financial year to members in accordance with the Members' Allowances Scheme annexed hereto as Annex Two and confers other functions upon the SPCB as specified in that said Scheme;
(ii) determines that the said Members' Allowances Scheme shall come into effect on 1 July 2001;
(iii) directs the SPCB to pay on and after the date the said Scheme comes into effect until 31 March 2002, the rates and amounts of allowances for the whole of that financial year, under deduction of such amounts paid to or claimed by members in respect of the period commencing on 1 April 2001 to the day preceding the date of this Scheme coming into effect;
(iv) directs the SPCB to make such other deductions or adjustments in respect of employers' National Insurance and pension contributions between the current Scheme and the said new Scheme as the SPCB considers equitable;
(c) rescinds:
(i) the Resolution of the Parliament of 16 March 2000 agreeing the Equipment and Furniture Scheme, on the first date when a member takes the oath or affirmation after the next ordinary or as the case may be, extraordinary general election as provided for in a(ii) above;
(ii) the Resolution of the Parliament of 16 March 2000 agreeing the current Members' Allowances Scheme on the date specified in b(ii) above.
ANNEX ONE
This is the Equipment and Furniture Scheme referred to in the foregoing motion.
"The Equipment and Furniture Scheme
1. Provision of Information Technology and other Office Equipment, and Office Furniture
(1) The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body ("the SPCB") shall provide information technology and other office equipment, and office furniture for an office, within the constituency/region from which a member was returned.
(2) Such information technology and other office equipment and office furniture is provided for the use of a member for the purpose of carrying out his or her Parliamentary duties and—
(a) a member may select during a Parliamentary session the equipment and furniture concerned but only from a list of items specified by the SPCB and subject to not exceeding the maximum number permitted for each item on that list;
(b) the member shall be responsible for the protection and security of such equipment and furniture and the SPCB may, if it has reasonable grounds to believe that any such equipment or furniture is being misused, require the return of the equipment or furniture;
(c) the replacement of any item referred to in (a) shall be permitted where the SPCB is satisfied that it is necessary.
(3) Where, arising from an election or the filling of a regional vacancy in terms of section 10 of the Scotland Act 1998, equipment becomes available, it shall be utilised by a new member and sub‑paragraph (2)(a) would only apply where, in the opinion of the SPCB, additional or replacement items are required.
(4) Where a member is re‑elected the equipment and furniture utilised by the member in the previous session shall continue to be utilised by the member and sub‑paragraph (2)(a) shall only apply where, in the opinion of the SPCB additional or replacement items are required.
2. Provision of Office Supplies
(1) The SPCB shall provide office supplies and postage stamps or postage paid envelopes to a member for the purpose of carrying out his or her Parliamentary duties.
(2) Where such office supplies are provided for the use of a member for the purpose stated in sub‑paragraph (1) the member may select the supplies concerned but only from a list of items specified by the SPCB.
3. Publication
The SPCB shall publish for each financial year information on this Scheme in such form as the SPCB may determine.
4. Parliamentary Duties
For the purposes of this Scheme, "Parliamentary duties" shall have the same meaning as in rule 8 of Part A of the Members' Allowances Scheme."
ANNEX TWO
This is the Members' Allowances Scheme referred to in the foregoing motion.
"Members' Allowances Scheme
The following Parts A, B and C together with the Annexes attached shall be the Members' Allowances Scheme ("Scheme")—
Part A - General Rules in relation to the Scheme
The following general rules shall, unless the context otherwise requires, govern the Scheme—
Rule 1 - Interpretation
In this Scheme—
"parliamentary complex" means the place where the Parliament or any of its committees or sub-committees meets from time to time;
"remuneration of employees" includes gross salaries, employers' National Insurance contributions and employers' pension contributions;
"main residence" means the property in which the member is resident for council tax purposes under section 75 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992;
"member" means a member of the Scottish Parliament;
"other residence" means any residence which the member owns or leases other than his or her main residence;
"staff" means an employee or employees of a member and/or a person or persons on a contract with an agency and/or on a contract for services;
"motor vehicle allowance" means the maximum rate set for local government under section 46 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and shall apply to all motor vehicles irrespective of engine size or annual mileage;
"motor cycle mileage allowance" means the maximum rate set for employees of the Scottish Administration;
"pedal cycle allowance" means the level of the maximum tax free allowance set by the Inland Revenue;
"travelling expenses" means—
(a) the actual cost of any travel ticket purchased or fare paid in making a journey, or part of a journey, by public transport;
(b) where such a journey, or any part of such a journey, is made by means of a motor vehicle, motor cycle or pedal cycle, owned or wholly maintained by the member, such amount per mile travelled on the journey, or that part of the journey, by means of that motor vehicle, motor cycle or pedal cycle as is determined by the motor vehicle, motor cycle or, as the case may be, pedal cycle, mileage allowance;
(c) in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (“the SPCB”), the actual cost of car hire and associated petrol costs; and
(d) tolls and car parking charges;
"public transport" means any service or services provided to the public at large for the carriage of passengers by road, rail, air or sea but includes travel by taxi service only where the use of such a service is required for reasons of urgency or where it is not reasonably practicable for the member to use other forms of public transport.
and any reference to a Part is a reference to the Part so lettered in this Scheme and any reference to an Annex is a reference to the Annex so lettered in this Scheme.
Rule 2 - Verifiable Expenditure
(1) The SPCB may, on an application for the purpose made to it by a member in accordance with this Scheme, make payments to that member by way of allowances for the reimbursement of expenses incurred by that member.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this rule, allowances for which a member is eligible shall be paid by the SPCB only upon the production to the SPCB of evidence of relevant expenditure in the form of invoices or receipts and, in respect of a taxi fare exceeding £10 per journey, written justification for the use of a taxi shall be required and it shall be for the SPCB to determine whether it is satisfied with the justification offered and whether payment should be made.
(3) Supporting invoices and receipts are not required—
(a) for payment of the motor vehicle, motor cycle, or, as the case may be pedal cycle mileage allowance; or
(b) for the reimbursement of travelling expenses where the actual cost of any travel ticket purchased or fare paid in making a journey, or part of a journey, by public transport or tolls and car parking charges is £10 or less.
(4) Paragraph 3 of this rule does not apply to taxi fares and car parking charges, other than parking meter charges.
(5) The SPCB shall provide forms for the purposes of administering the Scheme which members shall complete and sign in order to claim the relevant allowance.
Rule 3 - The Allowances Code
The proper use of allowances payable under this Scheme shall be governed by the Allowances Code at Annex A.
Rule 4 - Publication
The SPCB shall publish information on allowances under this scheme for each financial year in such form as the SPCB may determine.
Rule 5 - Enforcement
(1) The SPCB shall be responsible for supervising members' adherence to the Scheme.
(2) Where eligibility for any of the allowances in this Scheme is in dispute, and cannot otherwise be resolved, the matter shall be referred to the SPCB for determination.
(3) Any member may make a complaint to the SPCB about another member where he or she has reason to believe that allowances under this Scheme have not been expended in accordance with the Scheme (hereinafter referred to as an improper use of allowances), and where such a complaint is made, the SPCB shall normally hear that complaint within one month.
(4) Where the SPCB has reason to believe that a member has made an improper use of allowances or where the SPCB has received a complaint under sub-paragraph (3), the SPCB may, after raising the matter with the Business Manager of the relevant political party, initiate investigations into the matter.
(5) Where the SPCB has reason to believe that a member has made excessive or unreasonable use, in the opinion of the SPCB, of taxis the SPCB is empowered to—
(a) refuse to pay to that member any further taxi fares; and
(b) set a financial limit on future taxi fares for that member; and
(c) set a financial limit for taxi fares which shall apply to all members;
and to take such other action as the SPCB deems appropriate.
(6) Where the SPCB has initiated investigations in accordance with paragraph (4) and finds that a member has made an improper use of allowances, the SPCB may report to the Standards Committee with its recommendation; and such a recommendation may propose the removal of all or part of the member's allowances.
Rule 6 - Virement
A member shall not vire amounts between one allowance and another allowance.
Rule 7 - Uprating
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of this rule, the SPCB shall uprate allowances in Part B and the notional amount referred to in paragraph 1(a) of Part B on 1 April each year from the year 2002 onwards, having regard to such indices as the SPCB considers appropriate. The amounts of the uprated Members' Support Allowance (paragraph 1(1)) and Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance (paragraph 4(2)) shall be rounded up to the nearest £100 at each uprating.
(2) The SPCB shall, unless the Parliament does not agree, uprate the motor vehicle allowance in line with the maximum rate in respect of vehicles over 1199cc set for local government under section 46 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and the uprating will become effective and payable at the same time as it does for local government.
(3) The SPCB shall uprate the motorcycle mileage allowance at the same time as and in accordance with the corresponding allowance set for staff of the Scottish Administration.
(4) The SPCB shall uprate the pedal cycle mileage allowance at the same time as and in accordance with the maximum tax-free allowance set by the Inland Revenue.
Rule 8 - Parliamentary Duties
(1) All of the allowances referred to in this Scheme are to be used only for the purpose of members carrying out their Parliamentary duties.
(2) In this Scheme, "Parliamentary duties" means the undertaking of any task or function which a member could reasonably be expected to carry out in his or her capacity as a member of the Parliament including—
(a) attending a meeting of the Parliament;
(b) attending a meeting of a committee or sub-committee of the Parliament of which the member is a member or which the member is required to attend because of being in charge of a Bill or other matter under consideration by the committee or sub-committee or for any other valid reason relating only to the business of the committee or sub-committee;
(c) undertaking research or administrative functions which relate directly to the business of the Parliament;
(d) attending meet | 
