1. Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 18 November 2008 (attached) (b) Matters arising. 2. Future Business Programme (PB/S3/08/134)

Transcription

1 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU Ag/S3/08/34 AGENDA FOR MEETING ON TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER pm: Room Q Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 18 November 2008 (attached) (b) Matters arising 2. Future Business Programme () 3. Procedural motion (a) Scottish Statutory Instrument (PB/S3/08/135) Legislation 4. (a) Scottish Parliamentary Pensions Bill Stage 2 timetable (PB/S3/08/136) 5. Second National Planning Framework parliamentary consideration (PB/S3/08/137) 6. Public Petitions Committee request to meet in Duns (PB/S3/08/138) 7. Motions Review (PB/S3/08/139) 8. Publication scheme consideration of any exempt papers 9. Date of next meeting Tuesday 2 December 2008

2 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-2935# Christine Grahame: Cuiken Primary and its School Playing Field That the Parliament notes with alarm that yet another primary school playing field, at Cuiken Primary in Penicuik, is under threat of development despite Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 11 and the presumption against building on school playing fields; notes the objection of the Penicuik and District Community Council to this proposal, and considers that the Scottish Government should collect and centralise data on the current provision of school playing fields, including location and acreage, and that sportscotland should be a mandatory consultee in any development plans that impinge on school playing fields and public open spaces. *S3M-2926# Mary Mulligan: Shelter Scotland 40 Years On That the Parliament welcomes the publication by Shelter Scotland of the 40 Years On booklet, which marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Shelter Scotland on 3 October 1968; notes that throughout its existence Shelter Scotland has consistently spoken out on behalf of those who are homeless or in poor quality housing; further notes that Shelter Scotland has been at the cutting edge of developing services, including the opening of housing aid centres, the rural housing initiative, care and repair schemes for older people, the launch of the Housing Law Service, the returning home initiative and the Rough Sleepers Initiative, and was instrumental in the establishment of housing associations in Scotland such as Castle Rock Housing Association, now Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association; further notes that Shelter Scotland is today the largest provider of online housing advice in the country; recognises that Shelter played a key role in the development of the Homelessness Task Force, which for the first time led to the establishment of a legal commitment to give all homeless people the right to a home by 2012, and welcomes the ongoing contribution which Shelter Scotland makes in the challenge of providing good quality housing for all in Scotland. Supported by: Bashir Ahmad*, Jim Tolson*, Kenneth Gibson*, Margaret Curran*, Liam McArthur*, Cathy Jamieson*, Marlyn Glen*, John Park*, David Whitton*, Patricia Ferguson*, Alex Neil*, Nanette Milne*, George Foulkes*, Malcolm Chisholm*, Ross Finnie*, Bill Butler*, Mike Pringle*, Patrick Harvie*, Roseanna Cunningham*, Hugh O Donnell*, Christina McKelvie*, Gil Paterson*, Robert Brown*, Jamie Hepburn*, Claire Baker*, Sarah Boyack*, Alison McInnes*, Shirley-Anne Somerville*, Ms Wendy Alexander*, Mr Frank McAveety* *S3M-2898# Ian McKee: Recognising the Role of a Healthy, Competitive Television Industry in the Cultural Life of Scotland That the Parliament recognises the contribution made to the cultural and social life of Scotland and, in particular, in Glasgow and Edinburgh, by a vibrant and competitive home-based television programme-making sector; recognises the role of STV as Scotland s only commercial public sector broadcasting (PSB) provider, a function that it has provided for 50 years; supports Ofcom s enhanced evolution option, with STV continuing to provide PSB for Scotland as part of a wider UK network; rejects ITV plc s call for a single UK-wide brand, which would not be in the interests of Scotland; supports STV s bid to continue to be a PSB licence holder for Scotland, and, recognising that the company is outside the ITV commissioning process, supports STV s request to be awarded independent producer status, making it easier for other channels to commission programme production from Scotland. Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Alex Neil, Michael Matheson, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Hugh Henry, Brian Adam, Gil Paterson* 1

3 S3M-2878# Pauline McNeill: Dignity for Palestinians That the Parliament welcomes the passage of the boat, Dignity, which travelled from Cyprus to Gaza with 11 European parliamentarians including three members of the Scottish Parliament on board; recognises that this is the third boat to challenge the siege of Gaza, which has become a permanent blockade and which has affected every aspect of Palestinian life to the point where they are now in receipt of the largest food aid programme in the world; is concerned about the impact of the blockade on ordinary Palestinians, denying them basic health care rights as there is a shortage of medicine, proper medical equipment and severe restrictions on leaving Gaza for referral treatment, which has resulted in many deaths as recorded by the World Health Organisation; supports the efforts of Edinburgh Direct Aid to send aid to Gaza, and recognises that action by the international community, to secure an end to the siege of Gaza and implement international law, is key to encouraging long-term peace in the Middle East. Supported by: Dr Richard Simpson, Sarah Boyack, Bob Doris, Jackie Baillie, Alasdair Allan, Bill Kidd, Bill Butler, Bill Wilson, Marlyn Glen, Roseanna Cunningham, Sandra White, Cathy Jamieson, Liam McArthur, Gil Paterson, Robin Harper, Trish Godman, Joe FitzPatrick, Patrick Harvie, Ms Wendy Alexander, John Park, Mary Mulligan, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Alex Neil, Jamie Hepburn, Hugh Henry, Malcolm Chisholm, Mr Frank McAveety, Cathy Peattie, Bashir Ahmad, Elaine Murray, Rhoda Grant, Mike Pringle*, David Stewart* S3M-2873# Sandra White: Successful Mercy Mission to Gaza That the Parliament congratulates the success of the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza and the Free Gaza Movement on their successful mission to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver much needed medical supplies and equipment to the people of Gaza; notes that alongside politicians from around Europe, such as Claire Short MP and Lord Nazir Ahmed, the successful delegation included Sandra White MSP, Pauline McNeill MSP and Hugh O Donnell MSP; further notes that, after the refusal of the Egyptian authorities to provide safe passage, the group successfully sailed from Cyprus to Gaza despite the close attention of the Israeli navy; hopes that these actions will give hope to the many Palestinians throughout the world, including Glasgow, that the blockade will be ended, and believes that only by all parties working together can we resolve this issue, which is causing untold suffering to the ordinary people of Gaza. Supported by: Bill Kidd, Hugh Henry, Robin Harper, Marlyn Glen, Christina McKelvie, Bob Doris, Gil Paterson, Bill Wilson, Rob Gibson, Joe FitzPatrick, Aileen Campbell, Pauline McNeill, Keith Brown, Jamie Hepburn, Alex Neil, Hugh O Donnell, Bashir Ahmad, Michael Matheson, Mike Pringle* S3M-2842# Bill Butler: The Hospital Broadcasting Service That the Parliament recognises the work of the Hospital Broadcasting Service (HBS), which broadcasts to a number of hospitals in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area; commends its commitment to providing a regular and varied selection of programmes to patients; praises the recent revamp of the service at Drumchapel Hospital through the relaunch of the request programme; salutes the efforts and hard work of HBS volunteers, who provide a vital link with and ongoing point of contact for patients through regular hospital visits; further recognises that HBS provides high quality training and encouragement to its members as well as the role that it has played in the development of the careers of several distinguished Scottish broadcasters, and wishes HBS continued success in the years ahead. Supported by: Brian Adam, Bob Doris, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Bashir Ahmad, Jamie McGrigor, Iain Gray, Cathy Peattie, John Park, Cathy Jamieson, Jackson Carlaw, Jackie Baillie, Patrick Harvie, Robin Harper, Dr Richard Simpson, James Kelly, Ross Finnie, David Whitton, Mary Mulligan, Marilyn Livingstone, Andy Kerr, Jamie Hepburn, Karen Whitefield, Ken Macintosh, Sarah Boyack, Cathie Craigie, Jack McConnell, David Stewart, Patricia Ferguson, Pauline McNeill, Mr Frank McAveety, Hugh O Donnell S3M-2817# Marlyn Glen: World AIDS Day 2008 That the Parliament recognises the importance of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2008 and its aim of highlighting the challenges and consequences of the HIV epidemic around the world; acknowledges that there are 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide and that countries face a myriad challenges in 2

4 halting the spread of the virus and improving the lives and experiences of people affected; recognises that HIV diagnoses in Scotland have been increasing in recent years with 2007 seeing the highest annual number on record; acknowledges that it is estimated that there are 5,500 people now living with HIV in Scotland; regrets that a recent poll found that people in Scotland had comparatively poorer rates of HIV knowledge than in other areas of the United Kingdom; considers that this lack of public understanding about the virus and how it is transmitted compounds and exacerbates the stigma and prejudice experienced by many people living with HIV in Scotland, and therefore supports this year s theme of Respect and Protect, which highlights the responsibility of everyone to transform attitudes to HIV and encourage actions that stop its spread. Supported by: Mary Mulligan, Ms Wendy Alexander, Ken Macintosh, John Park, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, Patrick Harvie, Robin Harper, Stuart McMillan, Sarah Boyack, Alasdair Allan, Hugh O Donnell, David Stewart, Elaine Murray, Liam McArthur, Jamie Hepburn, Trish Godman, Sandra White, Christine Grahame, James Kelly, Rob Gibson, Karen Whitefield, Dr Richard Simpson, Claire Baker, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Butler, Rhona Brankin, Christina McKelvie, Hugh Henry, Nanette Milne, Jack McConnell, Cathy Peattie, Bob Doris, Joe FitzPatrick, Marilyn Livingstone, Rhoda Grant, Peter Peacock, Gil Paterson, Keith Brown, Irene Oldfather*, George Foulkes* S3M-2808# Stuart McMillan: 65 Years of Piping Excellence That the Parliament congratulates the College of Piping in Glasgow on its 65th anniversary year in 2009; acknowledges the importance of the college in teaching people of all ages and from all backgrounds since 27 October 1944; notes that it also welcomes students from around the world, and further congratulates the college for being the oldest piping educational establishment in Scotland. Supported by: Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Alasdair Allan, Bill Kidd, Mary Scanlon, Jamie McGrigor, John Lamont, Bill Wilson, Jackson Carlaw, Nanette Milne, Robin Harper, Jackie Baillie, Ken Macintosh, Kenneth Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Paul Martin, Mike Pringle, Roseanna Cunningham, Gil Paterson, Ian McKee, Alex Neil, Dave Thompson, Cathy Peattie, Bill Aitken, Jack McConnell, Christina McKelvie, Michael Matheson, Willie Coffey, Keith Brown S3M-2805# Cathy Jamieson: Carers Rights Day That the Parliament welcomes Carers Rights Day 2008 on Friday 5 December, aimed at increasing awareness of the invaluable role of carers across Scotland in looking after a disabled or vulnerable loved one, as well as the advice and support available to them; notes with concern research by Carers Scotland that nearly three quarters of the estimated 666,000 carers in Scotland are financially worse-off as a result of caring, with many living in poverty; is further concerned that many carers do not realise the range of financial help and advice that they are entitled to; therefore congratulates Carers Scotland on its work to improve the uptake of available assistance through the publication of its booklet Looking after someone: a guide to carers rights and benefits and its website which also includes details of over 1,000 outreach events in conjunction with similar organisations across the United Kingdom, and further notes the role that MSPs of all parties can play in the Parliament and in their constituencies or regions to help ensure that carers receive the support that they richly deserve. Supported by: Trish Godman, John Scott, Jamie Hepburn, Jack McConnell, Sarah Boyack, David Stewart, Rhoda Grant, Karen Whitefield, Tom McCabe S3M-2794# Nanette Milne: Seabirds That the Parliament notes with concern recent data from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland highlighting another terrible season for Scotland s breeding seabirds, notably Arctic skuas, Arctic terns and kittiwakes; is alarmed that many of our internationally important species have now suffered successive poor breeding seasons over a period of years, with evidence suggesting that the Scottish populations of these species are experiencing substantial declines; notes that Scotland is an internationally important breeding ground for seabirds, with spectacular coastal seabird colonies in areas such as north-east Scotland and the Northern Isles containing 45% of the European Union s breeding populations; further notes that seabird populations are a 3

5 key health indicator for the marine environment as a whole, and considers that the forthcoming Scottish marine bill offers an opportunity to examine what can be done to address the catastrophic decline of our seabird populations. Supported by: John Scott, Jackson Carlaw, Elizabeth Smith, Roseanna Cunningham, John Lamont, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Aitken, Elaine Murray, Jamie McGrigor, Ms Wendy Alexander, Murdo Fraser, Hugh O Donnell, Liam McArthur, Bill Wilson, Bill Kidd, Alex Johnstone, John Wilson, Ken Macintosh, Kenneth Gibson, Robin Harper, Sarah Boyack, Ted Brocklebank, Jack McConnell, Jamie Hepburn, Annabel Goldie, Cathy Jamieson, Cathy Peattie, Keith Brown S3M-2768# Alex Neil: Lloyds TSB Takeover of HBOS That the Parliament gives a general welcome to the measures taken by the UK and other governments to tackle the current banking crisis; considers, however, that the recapitalisation plans announced by HM Treasury in October 2008 have fundamentally changed the landscape under which competition rules were waived to enable a merger between Lloyds TSB and Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS); further considers that inconsistent statements have come from the Treasury about whether or not the banks would independently have access to the recapitalisation funds; believes that this ambiguity is not serving anyone s interests in the present environment; further believes that losing HBOS corporate headquarters and jobs in Edinburgh would seriously jeopardise the city s position as a financial centre; sees no reason why HBOS should not be able to access UK Treasury recapitalisation and, therefore, liquidity funding on the same independent basis as other major banks, and, with this in mind, considers it a very real possibility that an independent HBOS solution could be found that may well be in the best interests of shareholders, employees, customers and the Scottish economy at large. Supported by: Ian McKee, Rob Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Christine Grahame, Bashir Ahmad, Aileen Campbell, Bill Kidd, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, Angela Constance, Robin Harper, Roseanna Cunningham, Bill Wilson, Bob Doris, Brian Adam, Michael Matheson, Christina McKelvie, Dave Thompson, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, Keith Brown S3M-2712# Bill Butler: Show Racism the Red Card s Fortnight of Action That the Parliament supports Show Racism the Red Card s (SRTRC) 5th annual Fortnight of Action, which takes place from 16 to 30 October 2008 and will see a number of high profile events aimed at tackling racism and celebrating cultural diversity at football matches across the country; notes that, since it inception in Scotland, SRTRC has proved consistently successful in using football as a tool to challenge racism, ignorance, intolerance and bigotry in both sport and wider society; recognises the quality of SRTRC educational resources and programmes, which are rolled out across schools in Scotland; welcomes the development of SRTRC s Islamophobia package, which seeks to challenge many of the myths that have become attached to the subject of Islam, and wishes the Scottish Parliament s football team the best of luck with its contribution to the campaign when it plays against the SRTRC team at Tynecastle on 17 October Supported by: Michael McMahon, Bill Kidd, Jamie McGrigor, Brian Adam, Bob Doris, Bashir Ahmad, Jackson Carlaw, Alex Neil, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, John Park, Roseanna Cunningham, Bill Wilson, Stuart McMillan, Marlyn Glen, Ken Macintosh, Dr Richard Simpson, Pauline McNeill, Sarah Boyack, Joe FitzPatrick, Cathie Craigie, Liam McArthur, Malcolm Chisholm, Jackie Baillie, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Mary Mulligan, Elaine Smith, Jamie Hepburn, Angela Constance, Trish Godman, Mr Frank McAveety, James Kelly, Nanette Milne, Hugh O Donnell, Cathy Peattie, Robin Harper, Charlie Gordon, Gil Paterson, Irene Oldfather, Tom McCabe, Jack McConnell, David Stewart, Rhoda Grant S3M-2687# Elaine Murray: Save Scottish Sharks That the Parliament notes that 11 to 19 October 2008 is European Shark Week; is concerned at the dramatic decline in European shark numbers; is further concerned that most Scottish shark species are classed as critically endangered but that none is currently afforded any protection; regrets the Scottish Government s refusal to offer the tope the same protection as it has in England, resulting in 4

6 the landing of tope being legal on the Scottish side of the Solway but not on the English side; looks forward to the publication of the Scottish Government Marine Directorate s policy on sharks, and considers that action to protect these endangered species is urgently required. Supported by: Ken Macintosh, Kenneth Gibson, Robin Harper, Trish Godman, David Stewart, Hugh Henry, Paul Martin, Joe FitzPatrick, Mike Pringle, Marlyn Glen, Karen Gillon, Mary Mulligan, Rhona Brankin, Patrick Harvie, Dr Richard Simpson, John Scott, Jamie McGrigor, Cathy Peattie S3M-2684# Dave Thompson: Welcoming the Launch of Community Energy Scotland That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Community Energy Scotland, the new Highlandbased Scottish charity that has taken over the work of the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company to support communities throughout Scotland to develop sustainable energy projects; commends the organisation s aim to build confidence, resilience and wealth at community level in Scotland through sustainable energy development, and further commends its leadership role in the growing grass-roots movement dedicated to reinforcing local control and decision-making within the community sector through sustainable energy development and the contribution that this will make to achieving Scotland s ambitious climate change targets. Supported by: Alex Neil, Roseanna Cunningham, John Wilson, Alasdair Allan, Jamie Hepburn, Brian Adam, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Robin Harper, Rob Gibson, Patrick Harvie, Jim Tolson, Joe FitzPatrick, Angela Constance, Keith Brown, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Christina McKelvie, Bill Wilson, Gil Paterson, Nanette Milne, Michael Matheson, Bob Doris, Sandra White, Mary Scanlon S3M-2673# Bob Doris: Scottish Asian Action Committee s 25th Anniversary That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Asian Action Committee (SAAC) on its 25th anniversary celebrations, having been founded in 1983 as a broad-based secular organisation providing a community development, campaigning and advice information service for ethnic minority communities in Scotland, originally made up of groups representing Pakistani, Indian, Kashmiri, Bengali and Bangladeshi communities, and notes that SAAC was a catalyst for activities such as the Glasgow Mela and the annual day of action against racism and was recently honoured with an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Scottish BME Achievement Awards, acknowledging its work in community development and anti-racism initiatives as well as its welfare rights and immigration advice services. Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Michael Matheson, Roseanna Cunningham, Alasdair Allan, Robert Brown, Joe FitzPatrick, Elaine Smith, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Robin Harper, Bill Wilson, Ken Macintosh, Alex Neil, Patrick Harvie, Aileen Campbell, Brian Adam, Hugh O Donnell, Stuart McMillan, Gil Paterson, Cathy Peattie S3M-2665# Des McNulty: Eco-Congregation Scotland Programme That the Parliament recognises the important role played by churches and other faith groups in Scotland in raising awareness of environmental issues and in particular climate change; congratulates the Eco- Congregation Scotland programme on achieving its 200th registration; notes the rapid growth of the programme across Scotland from its inception less than a decade ago to become the largest network of community environment groups in Scotland and its spread to include congregations from nine denominations, including the congregation of the Abbotsford Parish Church in Clydebank, and welcomes the new commitment that the programme is making to help congregations and communities understand the impact of climate change here and in the developing world, respond appropriately to the challenge climate change presents and take collective and personal responsibility for reducing their carbon emissions. Supported by: Brian Adam, Hugh O Donnell, Bill Kidd, James Kelly, Ms Wendy Alexander, Nanette Milne, Hugh Henry, Dr Richard Simpson, Bill Butler, Robin Harper, Sarah Boyack, Trish Godman, Mary Mulligan, Jackie Baillie, Elaine Murray, John Park, Alison McInnes, Helen Eadie, Kenneth Gibson, David Whitton, Karen Whitefield, Angela Constance, Karen Gillon, Ken Macintosh, Jamie Hepburn, Cathy Peattie, Gil Paterson, David Stewart 5

7 S3M-2660# Sandra White: Growing Old Together - Older People and Debt That the Parliament notes the publication of Growing Old Together - Older People and Debt by Citizens Advice Scotland; is concerned that the average debt level for older people seeking advice from their local citizens advice bureau is 17,767, a 25% increase since 2003; further notes the finding that levels of debt increased as levels of income decreased, with clients in the survey who had a net income of less than 6,000 having debt levels on average 42% higher than those with an income higher than 10,000; recognises the excellent work of citizens advice bureaux in Glasgow and across Scotland in advising older debt clients; supports the need for early and effective benefits take up and debt advice to be available for all older people, and considers that measures to deal with debt, such as debt arrangement schemes and the low income low asset regulations, should be accessible and beneficial for older clients. Supported by: Bashir Ahmad, Joe FitzPatrick, Kenneth Gibson, Roseanna Cunningham, Angela Constance, Robin Harper, Bill Kidd, Christine Grahame, Pauline McNeill, Hugh O Donnell, Bill Wilson, Alex Neil, Jamie Hepburn, Alasdair Allan, Christopher Harvie, Michael Matheson, Mary Scanlon, Stuart McMillan, Ken Macintosh, Nigel Don, Karen Whitefield, Liam McArthur, John Lamont, Christina McKelvie, Gil Paterson, Dave Thompson, Marlyn Glen, Bob Doris, Patrick Harvie, Jackie Baillie, Robert Brown, Patricia Ferguson, Cathy Peattie S3M-2653# Cathy Peattie: Fare Deal That the Parliament congratulates the 12 charities which, on UK Older People s Day, 1 October 2008, launched a Fare Deal campaign for the concessionary travel scheme to be extended to cover special transport schemes used by elderly and disabled people, such as Dial-a-Journey in Forth Valley; considers that thousands of people who have or are entitled to a free bus pass are missing out because they cannot use regular scheduled services, and believes that an extension to the national concessionary travel scheme to include demand-responsive community transport should be considered. Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Bill Butler, Patrick Harvie, Marlyn Glen, Paul Martin, Mary Mulligan, Robin Harper, John Park, Elaine Murray, Charlie Gordon, Hugh O Donnell, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Des McNulty, Dr Richard Simpson, Alex Neil, Karen Whitefield, Trish Godman, Ken Macintosh, Cathy Jamieson, Helen Eadie, Mr Frank McAveety, Jack McConnell, Marilyn Livingstone, Hugh Henry, George Foulkes, Peter Peacock, Sarah Boyack, David Stewart, Alison McInnes, Jim Tolson, Margo MacDonald S3M-2650# Alison McInnes: Safe Drivers are Made, Not Born That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Young drivers - where and when they are unsafe report by the IAM motoring trust; notes with dismay the number of young people killed and seriously injured on Scotland s roads in the last five years, including nearly 100 people aged 17 to 25 in the Grampian area alone; further notes the 10 key recommendations of the IAM report, and believes that schools, young people, road agencies and local and national authorities should work together in order to introduce these measures and improve road safety for all our young drivers. Supported by: Liam McArthur, Elaine Smith, Ross Finnie, Jim Tolson, Elaine Murray, Robert Brown, Bill Kidd, Aileen Campbell, Robin Harper, Angela Constance, Mary Mulligan, Mike Pringle, Nicol Stephen, Jamie Stone, Dave Thompson, Kenneth Gibson, Roseanna Cunningham, Hugh O Donnell, Stuart McMillan, Tom McCabe, Cathy Jamieson, Gil Paterson, Nanette Milne, Ken Macintosh, Cathy Peattie S3M-2630# Jamie Hepburn: 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights That the Parliament notes that 10 December 2008 will be the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the General Assembly of the United Nations; believes that the UDHR is one of the outstanding statements of the dignity, integrity and rights belonging to every human being, and further believes that the principles of the UDHR should continue to serve as inspiration for the future development of Scotland. Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Bashir Ahmad, Bob Doris, Aileen Campbell, John Wilson, Stuart McMillan, Trish Godman, Robert Brown, Hugh O Donnell, Bill Wilson, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, 6

8 Alex Neil, Robin Harper, Roseanna Cunningham, Sandra White, Mike Pringle, Joe FitzPatrick, Dave Thompson, Gil Paterson, Hugh Henry, Christopher Harvie, Keith Brown, Jim Hume, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Ken Macintosh, Liam McArthur, Sarah Boyack, Nicol Stephen, Dr Richard Simpson, Alison McInnes, Cathy Jamieson, Malcolm Chisholm, Patrick Harvie, Cathy Peattie S3M-2599# Elaine Smith: Summerlee - The Scottish Museum of Industrial Life That the Parliament welcomes the re-opening in Coatbridge of Summerlee, the Scottish Museum of Industrial Life, on Friday 26 September 2008 following a major 10 million redevelopment; congratulates North Lanarkshire Council, its employees and the Friends of Summerlee Redevelopment Appeal, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the project s completion; welcomes the 5 million contribution made by the Heritage Lottery Fund alongside the contributions from North Lanarkshire Council, the Scottish Museums Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the redevelopment appeal; encourages further donations to that appeal, which can be made up until 31 October 2008; notes that Summerlee was formerly one of Scotland s most important ironworks; recognises the importance of keeping our industrial heritage alive through the preservation of the history of local iron, steel, coal and engineering industries; considers that Summerlee offers an invaluable educational resource providing an opportunity to reflect on the hard work and sacrifice of the working class of Scotland s industrial heartland and to remember the difficult circumstances in which they worked and lived; further considers it appropriate that North Lanarkshire Workers Memorial is situated at the gates of Summerlee, commemorating International Workers Memorial Day, and encourages visitors to come and see first-hand the excellent facilities, which include interactive displays, a kids discovery zone, children s outdoor play area, shop, café and exhibition area, ensuring that Summerlee takes its place as a leading visitor attraction and a landmark heritage facility for the 21st century. Supported by: Bill Butler, Karen Whitefield, Cathie Craigie, Jamie Hepburn, David Whitton, Marlyn Glen, John Wilson, Dr Richard Simpson, David Stewart, Hugh O Donnell, James Kelly, Mary Mulligan, Trish Godman, Charlie Gordon, Jim Hume, Michael McMahon, Christina McKelvie, Hugh Henry, Cathy Jamieson, Kenneth Gibson, Sarah Boyack, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, Bob Doris, Sandra White, Ken Macintosh, John Park, Robin Harper, Marilyn Livingstone, Margaret Mitchell, Gil Paterson, Jack McConnell, Cathy Peattie S3M-2565# Joe FitzPatrick: Friendly Football That the Parliament notes with concern the decision of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to withdraw its referees from the Dundee Saturday Morning Friendly League due to its lack of affiliation; recognises that this decision has ramifications for friendly leagues across Scotland, which now face an uncertain future; notes with further concern that this decision has threatened the viability of a league which has for 15 years proved to be a resounding success based on the principles of fair and friendly play; recognises the value of this league not only in raising money for local charities but also as income for Dundee City Council in pitch and facilities fees; believes that the approach taken by the SFA whereby registered referees can participate in any other non-affiliated league except this one is inconsistent and simply unfair, and applauds the organisers of the Dundee Saturday Morning Friendly League for their drive and determination to make sure the league continues in spite of the SFA s position. Supported by: Mike Pringle, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Bashir Ahmad, Bill Kidd, Brian Adam, Hugh O Donnell, Bob Doris, Sandra White, Jim Tolson, Alex Neil, Gil Paterson S3M-2564# Sandra White: Cambuslang and Rutherglen for Fairtrade That the Parliament welcomes the Camglen Fair Trade Forum s Big Sign Up events to be held in Cambuslang and Rutherglen on 25 October and 1 November 2008 respectively; notes that the events are aimed at supporting and highlighting the campaign for Fairtrade Town status for Rutherglen; commends the Forum for the great work it has done in campaigning for Fairtrade status for these towns, and hopes that in the near future Cambuslang and Rutherglen will become the 47th and 48th Fairtrade Towns in Scotland. 7

9 Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, Rob Gibson, Bob Doris, Ken Macintosh, Robert Brown, Aileen Campbell, Alex Neil, Christina McKelvie, Angela Constance, Gil Paterson S3M-2554# Rhona Brankin: Scottish Qualifications Authority That the Parliament is concerned by proposals to move the Scottish Qualification Authority s offices from Midlothian; notes that the Minister for Schools and Skills has not ruled out such a possibility; acknowledges that the SQA is a major employer in Midlothian, with more than 200 permanent posts, 67% of which are currently filled by Midlothian residents; recognises that there are fewer than 20 employers employing over 100 people in Midlothian, and understands the importance of keeping jobs locally in the county to support the local economy and minimise the environmental impact of any relocation. Supported by: Ken Macintosh, Mary Mulligan, Trish Godman, John Park, Karen Whitefield, Dr Richard Simpson, Hugh Henry, Sarah Boyack, Robin Harper, Marilyn Livingstone S3M-2544# Kenneth Gibson: Missed Out, Missing Out That the Parliament welcomes the publication by Quarriers of Missed Out, Missing Out and shares Quarriers concern that service provision for adults with learning disabilities is inconsistent in Ayrshire and across Scotland, especially for those 12,500 adults with learning disabilities who live at home, and considers that there should be a review of data collection, planning services and the current eligibility criteria used to determine service provision for these vulnerable individuals and that all disabled adults should be provided with the proactive support required to achieve their lifestyle aspirations, including appropriate housing options, advocacy and short breaks. Supported by: Robin Harper, Alex Neil, Elaine Smith, Hugh O Donnell, Rob Gibson, Alasdair Allan, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Christina McKelvie, Roseanna Cunningham, Gil Paterson, Liam McArthur, Michael Matheson, Bill Wilson, Sarah Boyack, Marlyn Glen, Jackie Baillie, Charlie Gordon, Trish Godman, James Kelly, Ken Macintosh, Karen Gillon, Irene Oldfather, Johann Lamont, Hugh Henry, Dave Thompson, John Park, Cathy Peattie 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 Glasgow Airport leading to a worsening of noise pollution experienced by local residents. Supported by: David Whitton, Jamie Stone, Bill Butler, Trish Godman, Jackie Baillie, Dr Richard Simpson, Robin Harper 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 Scottish Government 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, Tom McCabe S3M-2515# Richard Baker: Aberdeen 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 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 8

10 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, Rhona Brankin, Nanette Milne, Alex Johnstone, Mary Mulligan, Iain Gray, John Park, Sarah Boyack, Robin Harper, Lewis Macdonald, Marlyn Glen, Alison McInnes, Brian Adam, Dr Richard Simpson S3M-2512# Sandra White: Glasgow 2014 Lottery Funding That the Parliament welcomes the commitment of the Deputy First Minister to engage with all parties in the effort to secure lottery funding for Glasgow s 2014 Commonwealth Games and further welcomes the unity displayed by all parties of the Parliament in their public backing in support of this initiative, which will ensure that the legacy of 2014 is a great success both for Glasgow and the rest of Scotland. Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Bashir Ahmad, Bob Doris, Alasdair Allan, Kenneth Gibson, Christina McKelvie, Alex Neil, Stuart McMillan, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Joe FitzPatrick, Rob Gibson, Brian Adam, Gil Paterson, John Scott 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, Angela Constance, Hugh O Donnell, Christine Grahame, Joe FitzPatrick, Dave Thompson, Gil Paterson, John Scott 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 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. 9

11 Supported by: Bashir Ahmad, Robin Harper, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, Patrick Harvie, Elaine Murray, Malcolm Chisholm, 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, Cathie Craigie, Alison McInnes, Ken Macintosh, Rhoda Grant 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, Helen Eadie, Ken Macintosh, Joe FitzPatrick, George Foulkes, Marilyn Livingstone, Cathy Peattie, Jack McConnell, Gil Paterson, Rhoda Grant, Mary Scanlon, Margaret Mitchell 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. Supported by: Jamie McGrigor, Alasdair Allan, Bob Doris, 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, Rob Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville 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 25 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. 10

12 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, Jamie Stone 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-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-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 S3M-2209# Roseanna Cunningham: Community First Responders That the Parliament recognises and welcomes the service provided to rural communities, such as Comrie in 11

13 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-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-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 Record of Members Business Taken by the Parliament from 6 June 2007 Date MSP Party Subject Roseanna Cunningham SNP Rescue from Moving Water Des McNulty LAB Alimta for Mesothelioma Sufferers Karen Whitefield LAB Education is a Human Right Rob Gibson SNP Scottish Norwegian Commercial Cooperation Margaret Mitchell CON Motor Neurone Disease Jim Hume LD Local Food Andrew Welsh SNP Tartan Day Celebrations David Stewart LAB National Diabetes Week Sandra White SNP Asylum Seekers in Scotland Trish Godman LAB Maintenance of Common Land on Scottish Housing Estates Sarah Boyack LAB Save the Land Reform Act and Restore the Will of Parliament 12