Meeting of the Parliament 28 May 2024
Mr Lumsden knows that I am normally very amenable, but I think that I have just a minute and 15 seconds left.
To continue with the point that I was making, I note that there are many means by which MSPs can scrutinise the activities of Government. I appreciate that Mr Kerr sought to raise a topical question and to lodge a question for First Minister’s question time. He will, of course, appreciate that it is not in my gift or that of the bureau to determine whether or not questions are accepted. Any points of concern can be raised during general question time, and they can be raised at transport portfolio questions, for instance, at which the Cabinet Secretary for Transport has already answered a number of questions relating to low-emission zones. Indeed, Mr Kerr made the point that he has had that opportunity.
I remain of the view that the case for a statement this week has not been made and that there is no particularly strong or compelling argument. On the point about there being an early finish on Thursday, the time is indicative, and we still do not know how many stage 3 amendments there will be for us to debate on Thursday, so it might be that we do not finish at the time that has been suggested.
I am more than amenable to facilitating a statement, and I said as much at the bureau. I would commit to dong that, so I urge Mr Kerr not to press his amendment: I will bring a proposal to next week’s meeting of the bureau to schedule such a statement.