Chamber
Plenary, 27 Mar 2003
27 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Question Time
Scottish Borders (Economy)
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
The connection between Margo MacDonald's question and the original question is the 200 civil service jobs at the Scottish Public Pensions Agency that were relocated from Edinburgh to Galashiels. I understand that the decision to which she refers is extremely difficult for those who work in SNH to accept. We must work hard to ensure that there is alternative employment for those who cannot move to Inverness. I understand from her question that Margo MacDonald is meeting my colleague Ross Finnie tomorrow, so I do not think that it would be proper for me to comment further.
In the same item of business
10. Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to promote the economic well-being of the Scottish Borders. (S1O-6709)
The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Iain Gray):
Lab
A wide range of policies promotes economic well-being. Scottish Enterprise Borders is taking action in line with the direction and priorities that are set ou...
Christine Grahame:
SNP
As the minister is aware, the draft bill for the Borders rail link was lodged this week. Given that the Borders has suffered a net loss of 500 jobs since Lab...
Iain Gray:
Lab
As Christine Grahame knows well from previous exchanges, we are keen to see progress on the matter. However, the business case is not staring me in the face ...
Ian Jenkins (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD):
LD
Does the minister agree that, although there are real problems in the Borders economy, there are also real grounds for optimism? The population of the Border...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I am interested in the Borders, but I would like a question.
Ian Jenkins:
LD
Does the minister agree that none of those things—apart perhaps from the railway—seems to interest Ms Grahame, who prefers to launch lightning raids on the B...
Iain Gray:
Lab
I can only agree. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Jenkins's far more constructive approach both to representing his constituents and the interes...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I call Margo MacDonald.
Dorothy-Grace Elder (Glasgow) (Ind) rose—
Ind
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
A case of mistaken identity. I call Margo MacDonald.
Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (Ind):
Ind
And I was going to say something nice about you, Presiding Officer.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Let us hear from the right independent.
Margo MacDonald:
Ind
On the regeneration of the Borders economy, will the minister explain why the Executive has chosen to transfer 270 Scottish Natural Heritage jobs to Invernes...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I know that it is the end of term, but let us have a question.
Margo MacDonald:
Ind
The question is about the policy of moving 270 jobs. I am in agreement with those other MSPs that I mentioned. I do not agree with the transfer of those jobs...
Iain Gray:
Lab
The connection between Margo MacDonald's question and the original question is the 200 civil service jobs at the Scottish Public Pensions Agency that were re...