Hansard

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

29 Mar 2007

First Minister's Question Time · Child Poverty

Given the First Minister's personal commitment to the abolition of child poverty by 2020, how does he believe the Labour Party's commitment to extending free school meals fits into that ambition?

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

29 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Education

The minister is absolutely correct to highlight the Executive's record investment in refurbishing existing schools, in building new schools, in reducing class sizes, in increasing the number of teachers and in driving up standards. Does the minister agree with me that the exce...

2. Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

29 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Education

To ask the Scottish Executive how children and young people have benefited from investment in the education system. (S2O-12530)

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Coastal Pollution

I thank the minister for that comprehensive response. She will be well aware that there have been substantial changes of use in and around the Firth of Forth over the past couple of decades. There have been changes in how we deal with agricultural waste; changes in water treat...

4. Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Coastal Pollution

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to protect Scotland's coasts from industrial pollution. (S2O-12442)

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Committee

21 Mar 2007

Subordinate Legislation

I do not pretend to know much about the matter, but I would have thought that new class 72A(3)(a), as set out in article 2(2) of the order, covers that matter. It states:"the development shall not be used for any purpose other than to house poultry or other captive birds to pr...

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

Mr Adam mentions a timetable difficulty, but does he accept that both the Gogar option and the Turnhouse option would require trains to stop at those places, which would have an extra impact on the trains that use the east coast main line?

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

Does Christine Grahame accept that her slight red herring about all journey times being increased is offset by the fact that only every other journey from Glasgow and Fife to Edinburgh will go via the airport? Not every journey will be extended by five minutes.

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

Will the member give way?

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

The committee was satisfied by the fact that the requirement for a code of construction practice is incorporated in the bill. We will thus be able to ensure that the promoter has a timetable to work with; we hope that it will be able to work with the people affected along the ...

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

I think that I addressed that point, in part, in the response that I gave to Pauline McNeill. Although some journeys that are diverted via the airport may take a few minutes longer, the advantage is that people will have a direct connection to the airport.I want to put on reco...

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

The committee examined fully the effect that the proposal might have on services in the central belt and further afield. We put Pauline McNeill's point to Network Rail. The RailSys summary showed that EARL would not disadvantage the running of services between Edinburgh and Gl...

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

14 Mar 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Final Stage

The Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill was introduced on 16 March 2006. It seeks powers to provide the promoter, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh Ltd, with statutory authority to build a new railway station at Edinburgh airport, and to construct 16km of new railways to connect sa...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Mar 2007

Planning for Waste Management (Draft Scottish Planning Policy)

How can we encourage planning authorities to make the provision of recycling or waste management facilities an integral part of commercial, industrial or housing developments?

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Mar 2007

Planning for Waste Management (Draft Scottish Planning Policy)

I admire the aims and intentions, but how can we ensure that we have enough waste management facilities to enable us to comply with European legislation? What extra powers do you foresee will be necessary if local authorities do not co-operate as you hope they will?

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Committee

13 Mar 2007

Planning for Waste Management (Draft Scottish Planning Policy)

On that issue, given the poor perception of waste management facilities among the public, how can local authorities be encouraged to ensure—either collectively or individually—that development plans make sufficient provision for waste management?

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

07 Mar 2007

Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol consumption is on the increase, as are violence and health-related alcohol problems. That we must address the situation is not in doubt, but what we must do is far harder to determine. Prohibition is not the answer, as we all know from the experience in the United Stat...

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

28 Feb 2007

Energy Debt

I thank all the members who supported my motion, and I thank energywatch Scotland, which provided all MSPs with a comprehensive briefing for tonight's debate.In 1942, a seminal report on poverty identified five great social ills: want, squalor, idleness, ignorance and disease....

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

I am sure that members will be pleased to know that that ends the committee's consideration of the bill at phase 2 of consideration stage. Before I close the meeting, I will say a few words. I thank my colleagues on the committee, who have spent much time on scrutinising the o...

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 84, in the name of Iain Smith, is grouped with amendments 85 to 87.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 82, in the name of Charlie Gordon, is grouped with amendment 83.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

I am sure you did, Christine.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 80, in the name of Christine Grahame, is in a group on its own.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 73, in the name of Mr Charlie Gordon, is grouped with amendments 74, 75, 77, 78, 90, 91, 93 and 94.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 72, in the name of Christine Grahame, is in a group on its own.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 56, in the name of Iain Smith, is grouped with amendments 57 to 71.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Indeed.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 55, in the name of Christine Grahame, is in a group on its own.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 54, in the name of Mr Charlie Gordon, is in a group on its own.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 52, in the name of Iain Smith, is grouped with amendment 53.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 43, in the name of Mr Charlie Gordon, is grouped with amendments 44 to 46.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

We are all in favour of plain English.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 42, in the name of Jamie McGrigor, is grouped with amendment 79.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 29, in the name of Christine Grahame, is grouped with amendment 30.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 25, in the name of Charlie Gordon, is grouped with amendments 26 to 28.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 23, in the name of Jamie McGrigor, is grouped with amendment 37.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 22, in the name of Christine Grahame, is grouped with amendment 24.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 20, in the name of Mr Jamie McGrigor, is grouped with amendments 21, 31 and 32.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 18, in the name of Christine Grahame, is grouped with amendments 19 and 76.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 17, in the name of Jamie McGrigor, is grouped with amendment 41.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 12, in the name of Mr Charlie Gordon, is grouped with amendments 13 to 16, 81 and 88.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Thank you. I certainly remember all about feudal tenure, but I do not particularly want to go back there.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Amendment 1, in the name of Iain Smith, is grouped with amendments 2 to 11, 33 to 36, 38 to 40, 47 to 51, 89, 92, and 95.

The Convener: Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

Thank you for that; your position has been duly noted.We now begin to consider the amendments at phase 2 of consideration stage.

The Convener (Scott Barrie): Lab Committee

27 Feb 2007

Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill: Consideration Stage

I welcome everyone to the third and final meeting of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill Committee in 2007. I ask everyone present to switch off their mobile phones and pagers please. We have only one item on our agenda today—phase 2 of consideration stage.At phase 2, the com...

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

15 Feb 2007

Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Although I accept the spirit of amendment 4, we should be serious about the reality of people who are employed in our local authorities. While the 24 months that Jean Turner indicated is her preferred option would be far too restrictive, I argue that 12 months is perhaps too r...

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

15 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Social Workers

I note the welcome increase in the number of social workers by 25 per cent over the past five years. Does the minister agree that, as welcome as that increase is, the issue is not just about absolute numbers, but about the job that social workers are doing? Does he agree that ...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I do not have much more to say on sustainable development and fair trade. I will press amendment 17D.

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

In light of what the minister said, I am tempted to quit while I am ahead, because he indicated that the amendments are worthy of support. If we are serious about sustainable development and fair and ethical trading, it is important that we say that and are clear about it. I h...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I find myself agreeing almost totally with Christine Grahame—certainly, on her first two points. In subsections (2) and (3) of proposed new section 53B of the 1980 act, it is important that the Executive has said that reasonable steps must be taken. It has not specified how th...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

The minister has answered the question that I posed. The issue appears to be covered by the 2000 act.

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I will not take up too much of the committee's time, because I am not sure that amendment 32 is strictly necessary. I ask members to bear with me.Members may remember that during the passage of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 I lodged an amendment at stage 3 t...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

We must be very careful. I know that Patrick Harvie is not suggesting that all schools should have a kitchen and cook meals on the premises: I am pleased about that, because we have moved on a bit from what was said when we first discussed the issue in committee. It is not jus...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I have some sympathy with amendment 11. Nonetheless, in answer to Christine Grahame, I do not think that the aroma of steamed cabbage permeating a school would do anything for the uptake of school meals.

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Secondary. I can name the school if Frances Curran wishes.

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Committee

13 Feb 2007

Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I do not want to say too much either, because the arguments have been well rehearsed both in our stage 1 deliberations and on other occasions when the Parliament has discussed the matter.I want to reflect on the fact that we heard evidence at the @Home Centre in Airdrie from y...

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

08 Feb 2007

Forth and Tay Bridges Tolls

No, I will not.Most important, removing the tolls would remove the basic unfairness that the people whom I represent, in west Fife, believe exists. We have heard about the tolls being removed from the two bridges in the west of Scotland. It is unacceptable that the bridges in ...

Scott Barrie: Lab Chamber

08 Feb 2007

Forth and Tay Bridges Tolls

No. Unusually, I will not take any interventions today.I believe fundamentally that the tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges should be removed. It is a question of fairness, as it is only when people travel into Fife, from either the north or the south, that the tolls have ...

Scott Barrie (Dunfermline West) (Lab): Lab Chamber

08 Feb 2007

Forth and Tay Bridges Tolls

I have listened carefully to the speeches that have been made this morning. I note the minister's total support for tolls on environmental grounds. I also note that in the SNP's opening speech and in the speech that we have just heard, there was no mention of the reasons why t...

Scott Barrie: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Community Engagement <br />(Draft Planning Advice Note)

Both you and the chief planner have made valid points about ensuring that we broaden the process out, engage as widely as possible and ensure that we do not have a tick-box mentality that suggests that, because we have done something, that is that. I take the point about best ...