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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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Showing 60 of 2,095,827 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,026. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 10 Jun 2026.
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
09 Jan 2013
Oil and Gas Sector
I am pleased to say that the universities and colleges in Scotland are going to step up to the plate with regard to skills. That is particularly true of those in Aberdeen and the north-east. I am also aware of recent mergers and acquisitions. Such moves can sometimes be contro...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Committee
20 Dec 2012
Cross-party Group
I declare an interest as a former convener of that cross-party group. I am not sure that we need to see the present convener either now or in the future. I do not have a particular problem with what has been requested, although I am not sure what it will achieve.
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
11 Dec 2012
Role of Science in Public Policy
Does the minister agree that the important question that scientific advice can answer, or at least go some way towards answering, is: is it a coincidence or is there a causal link? It is quite often very hard to give a definitive answer to that.
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
11 Dec 2012
Role of Science in Public Policy
The member’s colleague Willie Rennie used to work with the Royal Society of Chemistry and will be very familiar with it. His predecessor and successor in that role, Bristow Muldoon, is the same. There is no doubt that there is a good and healthy relationship between politician...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
11 Dec 2012
Role of Science in Public Policy
The—
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
11 Dec 2012
Role of Science in Public Policy
I would like to start by talking about evidence. Certainly, decisions should be evidence based, but as politicians we often need to cope with opinions that are given as evidence. There is a world of difference between tangible evidence and opinion. I am delighted that successi...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
06 Dec 2012
Law Reform Working Group (Report)
I give way.
Brian Adam SNP Committee
06 Dec 2012
Law Reform Working Group (Report)
They have been asked. In a previous life, I engaged with both, so they are fully aware of the proposal. They have been engaged in the process, although I agree that there has until now perhaps been more engagement by officials. In my view, the grounds for delay are fairly spur...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
06 Dec 2012
Law Reform Working Group (Report)
Unless we are to be actively involved, I do not know that we need to take any evidence. Progress needs to be made, and it can be made only if we try what is suggested. I am not convinced that hearing from the conveners of those committees—or, indeed, from the Scottish Law Comm...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
06 Dec 2012
Law Reform Working Group (Report)
The issue has been knocking around for some time and I am disappointed that officials did not resolve the issue earlier. I hope that we can agree to the recommendations and that the Subordinate Legislation Committee will also agree to changes to its remit to allow the recommen...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Committee
06 Dec 2012
Guidance on Correcting Inaccuracies
I understand that the mechanism itself is relatively new. When was it brought in? What is the scale of its use and who has used it? As far as I can see, there is an element of redundancy in that the guidance itself is almost repeated.I am quite happy with the suggestions in th...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
20 Nov 2012
Air Passenger Duty
I should say that Aberdeen airport is in my constituency.We have heard some interesting speeches in the debate so far.I am a believer in more direct flights from Scotland. I do not know whether other members have tried to do something about that, but I certainly have done. I h...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Committee
08 Nov 2012
Decision on Taking Business in Private
I do not see any reason to take the item in private, but I am happy to accept the recommendation.
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
08 Nov 2012
Drugs Strategy
I should declare an interest in that, in a previous life, I not only monitored people who were addicted to a variety of drugs but dealt with the forensic work that is associated with drugs deaths. Putting that to one side, I note the advice that we all received that we shou...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2012
Reform of Parliamentary Business (Correspondence)
I know that this is an issue that concerns Mr Martin and Mr Lamont but, as far as I am aware, the Parliament has never had as part of its standing orders a specific time for such business. It would be inappropriate for us to try to tie Parliament’s hands in any way. I am certa...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Committee
25 Oct 2012
“Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland” (Review)
On reappointments, I understand the concern about the timeframe. Other than through a blackball, I do not know how you would do it. I am not sure why it is necessary to revise the code at such an early point, especially as it appears to be delivering, in spite of itself, the q...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
24 Oct 2012
Winter Resilience
We have had comparisons drawn between the continent and here. Of course, it is not just winter that causes problems. Thankfully, we do not have too many problems with earthquakes, but in Italy people who forecast such things have been banged up as a result of their forecasts. ...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
23 Oct 2012
Topical Question Time · Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
I very much welcome the decision of the courts in recent weeks. Can the minister confirm that the Haudagain redevelopment and the third Don crossing works will be included in the AWPR contract? Can he give us some idea of when the individual elements of what is a package are l...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
03 Oct 2012
Scottish Government Question Time · Haudagain Roundabout
I accept that there are all sorts of consequences in the plans for the AWPR, the Haudagain roundabout and the third Don crossing. However, for the benefit of my constituents, the minister might want to consider whether the Government and the council can act a little more quick...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Committee
27 Sep 2012
Interests
Thank you for your welcome. Other than what appears in the register of members’ interests, I do not think that I have relevant interests to declare.This is something of a return to the committee for me; it might be of interest to members to know that I was convener of predeces...
Colin Keir (Edinburgh Western) (SNP) SNP Chamber
18 Sep 2012
Scottish Government Question Time · Hall’s of Broxburn Task Force
2. To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by the Hall’s of Broxburn task force in relation to the company’s future. (S4T-00042)
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
11 Sep 2012
Aberdeen City Centre
That continues the sour grapes that we have heard again and again from the Labour Party when the people have rejected its ideas.An unusual coalition administration runs Aberdeen City Council; I do not know how long it will last. I certainly hope that it can develop a vision fo...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
11 Sep 2012
Aberdeen City Centre
It is a privilege to be here and to speak in the debate.I notice that five former councillors who represented Aberdeen and one who represented Aberdeenshire are in the chamber. I was on the City of Aberdeen District Council and then Aberdeen City Council with Nanette Milne. My...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
On the Government’s behalf, I am delighted to support the proposals. I assure the Parliament that the Government will do all that it can to help to make the changes work well in practice, which will include continuing to engage with Opposition members on when Opposition time s...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
The package that we have been offered strikes the right balance. It is only right and proper to reflect on whether procedures and practices continue to be fit for purpose. I do not know whether we need a six-month limit for a review. I note that no amendment to that effect has...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
If we agree to the motion and the proposed changes to standing orders are made, Thursday morning will not be an option because it will be committee time. What has to be fitted into plenary sessions are the items of business that are covered in standing orders, which include Op...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
I ask the member to give me a minute or two.Members in different parts of the country face different challenges in balancing their constituency roles with being members of the national Parliament, and we need to be sensitive to that.I was pleased to note the constructive tone ...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
There is nothing in the motion or the proposed changes to standing orders that will change the current practice. I am more than happy to continue to engage with representatives of the Opposition parties on how we deal with the issue in future.
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
We have had a wide-ranging debate. In response to some of the serious issues that have been raised about parliamentary committees, I point out to colleagues that, in phase 2 of its inquiry, the committee will look at precisely that issue. The committees, with their scrutiny ac...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
Okay.None of the changes that I have just described will make the life of the Government or of ministers easier. There will be real challenges for the Government in balancing ministerial duties outwith the chamber with the Parliament’s ability to hold ministers to account at c...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
How ministers answer questions is of course a matter for them. We are all judged on how we deal with questions. I think that it would be beyond the wit of even someone of Mr Henry’s calibre to specify when a question has been properly answered, because quite often that is judg...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
That is not my responsibility as a minister any more than it is the responsibility of anybody else in the chamber. As Mr Thompson indicated, the matter will be under review as the reforms are implemented, and I am certain that he noted Margo MacDonald’s point. Material is avai...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
06 Jun 2012
Parliamentary Reform (Changes to Standing Orders)
Presiding Officer, as outlined by Dave Thompson, the convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, you have played a significant role in parliamentary reform, in that you invited the committee to look at the area. I acknowledge also the role played b...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
17 May 2012
James Graham, Marquis of Montrose
The debate has been interesting and challenging in some ways. I was intrigued by the references to the sword by Christine Grahame and Murdo Fraser and to principles. Whether there were or were not principles, Jamie McGrigor even managed to get in gambling. Lewis Macdonald and ...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
09 May 2012
Cuba
I shall endeavour to restrict my comments to that length of time.Obviously, Fiona Hyslop would normally respond to the debate, but she is elsewhere on behalf of the Government.I thank Elaine Smith for lodging the motion, and welcome on the Government’s behalf the beyond the fr...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
08 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Flooding (Protection)
I share Elaine Murray’s view that good practice ought to be shared among authorities. If she has specific examples, I will be more than happy to pass them on to Mr Stevenson, who is responsible for such matters. Her suggestion is eminently sensible.
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
08 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Flooding (Protection)
I understand that there are issues around the proposed Brechin scheme relating to an objection that has been raised by an individual. Unless it is withdrawn, there may well be a need for a public inquiry.We have agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities that for...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
08 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Flooding (Protection)
We are helping to protect communities across the whole of Scotland from flooding by working with our partners to implement the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 and by providing funding through the local government settlement for local authorities to continue to invest...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Traditional Arts
I am sure that the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs will work on the member’s interesting proposal; perhaps others within the Government will do that, too. Creative Scotland, as Scotland’s national body for the arts, culture and creative industries, is engage...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Traditional Arts
Creative Scotland, our national body for the arts, culture and the creative industries, is actively and energetically taking forward the recommendations of the traditional arts working group, to ensure that the traditional arts are supported and their future secured.
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · European Commission (Meetings)
Three months after our paper on that was published, the UK minister for Europe, David Lidington, requested further details to allow him to “consider the proposal fully”, to use his words. The Scottish Government responded in detail two days later, on 18 November. Those letters...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · European Commission (Meetings)
As I am sure the member is aware, such discussions are on-going. The European Commission’s restrictive guidelines have meant that, since 2007, we have not been able to provide such funding. However, the Commission is consulting on the issue and the Scottish Government has part...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · European Commission (Meetings)
The Government has regular contact with the Commission on a wide range of issues. Most recently, my colleague Fergus Ewing met the Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, on 24 November while attending the energy council. On 14 November, Richard Lochhead met the Commission...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Historic Vessels (Preservation)
I thank the member for her kind invitation to the cabinet secretary and will pass the request on to her when she returns.With regard to funding, in 2011-12 we are providing direct core funding of £405,000 to the Scottish maritime museum. Despite the difficult financial settlem...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Historic Vessels (Preservation)
We recognise the importance of Scotland’s historic vessels and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy them as we do. The Scottish Government works with the United Kingdom advisory body, National Historic Ships UK, on high-p...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Aid (African Diaspora)
Funding rounds for the Malawi and sub-Saharan African development programmes will be opened at the start of December. Funding for successful projects will be released at the start of the next financial year and, as is standard with each funding round, guidance, best practice, ...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
01 Dec 2011
Scottish Executive Question Time · Aid (African Diaspora)
The Scottish Government remains committed to its international development programme and values the unique expertise and insight offered by the African diaspora in Scotland. In addition to funding international development projects in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa, the Scottis...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
30 Nov 2011
St Andrew’s Day
I am delighted to acknowledge that and it is something that should be encouraged, particularly to celebrate people’s Scottishness. That might be apposite in the Borders, which is in close proximity to the border. It is therefore important.I am confident that, in the years ahea...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
30 Nov 2011
St Andrew’s Day
I am delighted to hear support for that.I am confident that, in the years ahead, recognition of the holiday will grow. I hope that, through growth at grass-roots level, the local authorities in Scotland, which have a duty to act on behalf of the public in their localities, wil...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
30 Nov 2011
St Andrew’s Day
It is interesting to see the great interest in the St Andrew’s day holiday and, as members have suggested in the debate, it might be appropriate to increase the holiday entitlement. Given that in the past three debates in which I have participated, members have invited me to c...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP Chamber
30 Nov 2011
Public Sector Pensions
Will the member please tell us how the letter that came from his UK Government to the Scottish Government, saying that if it did not implement the changes, it would be £8.4 million a month worse off, fits in with the respect agenda? Is it not true that the Lib Dems are partner...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
23 Nov 2011
Act of Settlement
The Government welcomes Jim Eadie’s motion. It is telling that, so soon after its revival in 1999, the Parliament made a clear and unanimous call for the removal of all religious discriminatory provisions in the Act of Settlement. David McLetchie eloquently made his point abou...
Brian Adam SNP Chamber
02 Nov 2011
Mordechai Vanunu
I acknowledge that no members of the Opposition are currently in the chamber. I noted that both the Conservatives and the Labour Party had representatives in the chamber during the earlier speeches. I certainly hope that it was not because I was called that they chose to leave...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip (Brian Adam) SNP Chamber
02 Nov 2011
Mordechai Vanunu
I thank Sandra White for raising this issue in Parliament today. I welcome the opportunity to express our support for Mr Vanunu and to share his vision of a world that is free from the threat of nuclear weapons.We recognise Mr Vanunu’s courage when, in 1986, at great personal ...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
We are confident that we have covered all the eventualities, but life is such that we cannot offer guarantees. If deficiencies are identified, either on the Government side or through the committee, we will return to the issue, but I am fairly sure that we will not be doing it...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
That question is perfectly legitimate and Mr Gough will answer it.
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
The 2010 act allows for further such amendments. If we discover weaknesses, we will be more than happy to return to the matter. If the committee identifies and cares to write to me about any potential weaknesses, we will consider them appropriately.
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
That question is hypothetical. Nothing happened, and the judgment was made that nothing was likely to happen.These things do not happen overnight. The process of drawing up statutory instruments is fairly complex, as the committee has undoubtedly realised. Knowing that nothing...
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
To the best of my knowledge, the answer is no.
Brian Adam SNP Committee
25 Oct 2011
Subordinate Legislation
That is a fair question. In the particular areas that are covered by the order, we needed a bit more time. We are glad that we took that time because, following further consultation with stakeholders, changes that would not have been available to us back in April came to light...
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 09 January 2013

09 Jan 2013 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Oil and Gas Sector
Adam, Brian SNP Aberdeen Donside Watch on SPTV
I am pleased to say that the universities and colleges in Scotland are going to step up to the plate with regard to skills. That is particularly true of those in Aberdeen and the north-east. I am also aware of recent mergers and acquisitions. Such moves can sometimes be controversial, but they show a measure of confidence in the industry.

There is also international momentum. The minister referred to Talisman, which recently concluded an agreement with a company owned by the Chinese Government. Both companies are international, and I have to say that it is a sorry state of affairs when, despite that kind of international confidence in the industry’s future, we have doomsayers who want us to say no to such developments.

It is interesting, too, that Scotland’s international supply chain is continuing to invest in the future. I am delighted to see that there is confidence going forward. It is also interesting that there has been such interest in the recent release of fields for exploration. That kind of development displays further confidence. I think that we are as much at risk from timidity and doomsayers as from anything else, and we should be very careful in that respect.

I would like to make a particular reference to carbon capture and storage. We should not be left behind. Others are trying it, and it will be applied in the North Sea, so why should we not benefit from research? Mr Harvie would like us to say “No more oil and gas”, but we cannot do that, so I do not agree with him.

16:15

In the same item of business

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith) Lab
The next item of business is a debate on motion S4M-05310, in the name of Fergus Ewing, on oil and gas—the success and opportunities. The debate is oversubsc...
The Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism (Fergus Ewing) SNP
I welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to and recognise the success of Scotland’s oil and gas sector. The sector is one of Scotland’s biggest economic succ...
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab) Lab
Will the minister say what the current rate of UK corporation tax is on oil and gas and how much revenue would be lost if a 10 per cent rate were applied?
Fergus Ewing SNP
I do not look at the figures in that way. I will deal with the tax issue in due course.Since large-scale production commenced in the North Sea in the 1970s, ...
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green
Will the minister take an intervention?
Fergus Ewing SNP
Not just yet.Linking CCS with enhanced oil recovery could accelerate its development and unlock 3 billion barrels of hard-to-reach oil—worth £190 billion—fro...
Patrick Harvie Green
I am sure that the minister will accept that even if CCS technology can be brought to maturity, it has no effective role to play in relation to the carbon em...
Fergus Ewing SNP
No, I do not agree with that. It will allow huge reserves of oil to be extracted, which will be hugely beneficial. Frankly, I would have thought that the Gre...
Neil Findlay Lab
Will the minister give way?
Fergus Ewing SNP
I do not think so—I have too much to cover.We simply cannot afford to lose revenue on that scale, nor can we afford to lose the tax revenues, which I have de...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Minister, you really must draw your remarks to a close.
Fergus Ewing SNP
Ah, well. All I can say is that that figure must increase.I have not talked about skills, but we are working on the issue as we move towards the announcement...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
I am afraid that I must reiterate that we are very tight for time. I call Rhoda Grant to speak to and move amendment S4M-05310.2 in no more than 10 minutes.1...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab
I pay tribute to the workers who make the oil and gas industry a success. Many of them work onshore in back-up and planning roles but, given the real persona...
Fergus Ewing SNP
I am happy to assure Rhoda Grant that, as far as decommissioning is concerned, Scotland will honour her responsibilities. On taxation, we recognise that stab...
Rhoda Grant Lab
That proves the point about why we need stability and why the industry needs to know what the fiscal regime will be, should Scotland become independent of th...
Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (LD) LD
I begin by agreeing with the broad tenor of the minister’s remarks and thanking Rhoda Grant for her observations on decommissioning, in particular. I agree w...
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green
I like to begin with a note of consensus when I can—Alex Johnstone looks sceptical already.I agree strongly with all three members who have spoken on the poi...
Mark McDonald (North East Scotland) (SNP) SNP
I know that Mr Harvie and I have different opinions on economic growth, but what would be his message to the many constituents whom I represent whose livelih...
Patrick Harvie Green
My argument would be one of transition, not about ending an industry and putting nothing in its place. It would be about transitioning to the renewables indu...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott) Con
You must close, please.
Patrick Harvie Green
The building of a Scottish public renewables company is the best priority that we could set. What a legacy to leave for future generations.I move amendment S...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con
I thank the minister, Fergus Ewing, for his measured approach and commend him for his positive and constructive partnership with the Westminster Government. ...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP
Yes, it is.
Mary Scanlon Con
That is the sort of misinformation that the people of Scotland do not want in the lead-up to the referendum.
Mike MacKenzie (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP
Will the member give way?
The Deputy Presiding Officer Con
The member is closing.
Mary Scanlon Con
If Mr Stevenson would be quiet, I would find it easier to concentrate on my speech, Presiding Officer.
The Deputy Presiding Officer Con
I am afraid that you must close, please.
Mary Scanlon Con
In the lead-up to the referendum, it is worth noting that oil and gas revenues account for 0.7 per cent of UK gross domestic product, compared to 17.7 per ce...