Hansard

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

23 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Over-25s (Training)

The minister will be aware that the cutting of 152,000 college places by the Scottish Government has disproportionately affected older learners. Audit Scotland’s report “Scotland’s colleges 2015” shows that there are 41 per cent fewer students over 25 in our colleges than ther...

5. Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

23 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Over-25s (Training)

To ask the Scottish Government what training opportunities it offers people over the age of 25. (S4O-05690)

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

I think that the issue is more the perception than the reality. The fact that tolls were in place meant that the bridge was funding itself—perhaps not completely, but there was a perception in that regard. That is significant, because the change in funding arrangements for the...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

Thank you, Presiding Officer. I am glad to have the chance to contribute to the debate. I thank the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee for its inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Forth bridge and for its report. As we heard, on 1 Decemb...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

10 Mar 2016

Annual Report 2015-16

Yes, I did.

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

10 Mar 2016

Lobbying (Scotland) Bill

The level of transparency in our Government and its openness to the public are both crucial aspects of a healthy democracy, which makes it so important that we get the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill right. I have always maintained that, if the bill is to be effective, it must—as I h...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

10 Mar 2016

Lobbying (Scotland) Bill

It might not have enough employees, but it has members, and that is the same sort of thing. I think that we can agree that it is important to have a democratic system that is open, transparent and trusted by the public. There is nothing too contentious about that. However, th...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

10 Mar 2016

Lobbying (Scotland) Bill

I will begin by addressing Mr Findlay’s last point—the IOD and other groups are covered by the bill because they are big organisations. It was definitely the committee’s intention that those big organisations be covered.

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

10 Mar 2016

Electric Car Rapid Charge Points

I am pleased that we have the opportunity today to discuss the need for electric car rapid charging points, because it highlights the wider subject of the need to embrace technology in our response to climate change. Dave Thompson has hit the nail on the head in pinpointing hu...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

09 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Film Studio

Given that the Scottish Government has stated many times—including in the white paper on independence—the critical importance of the industry to the Scottish economy, will the cabinet secretary assure us that the Government can, this time, turn aspiration into reality and not ...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

09 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Film Studio

The plans for a film studio in Cumbernauld are, of course, welcome, but today’s announcement is only about the intention to seek planning permission to extend an existing facility. There is still no major film studio in Scotland that can compete with Wales and Northern Ireland...

2. Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

09 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Film Studio

To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the film and television industry to discuss the building of a film studio. (S4O-05627)

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

02 Mar 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

No, thank you.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

02 Mar 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Is a lot of it concerned with social media or not?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

02 Mar 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Do any of those complaints through social media come back as post-decision correspondence, as you called it?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

02 Mar 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Is it a matter of judgment?

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

02 Mar 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

My first point relates to your response to Mr Wilson’s point. Are you monitoring social media? Secondly, when is an elected official no longer an elected official, particularly when he is acting privately on social media, such as Twitter? Is it not rather difficult to judge that?

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

01 Mar 2016

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

After that vicious personal attack, what can I say? We support the bill. I am against the blanket part of it and it needs a bit of tinkering and change, but we support it.

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

01 Mar 2016

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I thank the member for that pertinent intervention. I, too, have had similar problems, although perhaps not where a car has taken up the whole pavement. I find it very difficult and, as the member can imagine, I get very nervous when I have to go on to the road to avoid parked...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

01 Mar 2016

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

So soon, Presiding Officer, so soon. It has been useful to hear colleagues’ views on this important issue as we decide how to take it forward. I think that we can all agree on the need to tackle such inconsiderate behaviour. It is only right that we protect vulnerable pedest...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

01 Mar 2016

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I thank Sandra White for her flattering remarks. The saying, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” comes to mind—maybe we should beware of Sandra White. The Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill seeks to address a problem that we would all like to be resolved. As mem...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

25 Feb 2016

Criminal Verdicts (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I thank members for the constructive debate this afternoon. It has been a pleasure to take part in it. Like others, I begin by paying tribute to Michael McMahon for bringing this issue and the connected issue of jury majorities to the fore. A member’s bill requires unrelentin...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

25 Feb 2016

Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2016 [Draft]

I am glad that the debate has given us the chance to elaborate on the challenges and decisions that local government funding faces, because it is important that we get it right. To do that, we need to be clear on what the difficulties are, what has caused them, what needs to b...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

25 Feb 2016

General Question Time · Planning System Review (Consultation)

Sorry, Presiding Officer—my question has been answered.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

24 Feb 2016

Commission on Local Tax Reform

That is very interesting. However, to the councils and the public the two are one and the same thing, as the issue is how councils raise their money through non-domestic rates and the council tax.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

24 Feb 2016

Commission on Local Tax Reform

The word “parallel” has been used. That is the key. People felt that non-domestic rates should be considered in parallel with the council tax, but that did not really happen. In the evidence, there was a fair amount of criticism about that, if I am not mistaken. Do you accept ...

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

24 Feb 2016

Commission on Local Tax Reform

Good morning. A few criticisms have been levelled about why the commission did not deal with business rates or non-domestic rates. It was a commission on local tax reform—surely it should have included business rates as well?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

24 Feb 2016

Local Government Benchmarking Framework

Are you convinced that the framework is being used a lot by the general public?

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

24 Feb 2016

Local Government Benchmarking Framework

I have a quick follow-up question for Malcolm Burr. Who is using the framework at political and officer level and how do you measure that? You touched on that, but I want you to elaborate on it.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

03 Feb 2016

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

With such complaints, particularly the health ones, speed is of the essence. Are you satisfied that the process is being handled reasonably speedily, Mr Martin?

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

03 Feb 2016

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

Good morning. Last year, you gave evidence about the integration of complaints handling in health and social care. How much progress has been made towards that? It is a key issue about which you expressed some reservations last year.

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

03 Feb 2016

Edinburgh South Suburban Railway

It is certainly welcome that we have the chance to discuss a motion that was lodged by my friend Jim Eadie on reinstatement of the Edinburgh south suburban railway. An upgraded transport infrastructure in the region that I represent would be most welcome. The service could bri...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

02 Feb 2016

Litter

Scotland is dirty: there is no way around that. The amount of litter bears that fact out, in spite of well-meaning local initiatives such as Leithers don’t litter and many others across Scotland. Such initiatives can make a difference in local areas and are setting the exact e...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

27 Jan 2016

Fuel Poverty

Thank you—but I think that we have heard enough of Mike MacKenzie’s interventions. Such pressure being put on energy providers can play an important role in reducing prices across the board so that the demand on peoples’ incomes can be reduced. Many of my fellow MSPs have ri...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

27 Jan 2016

Fuel Poverty

I welcome this opportunity to discuss fuel poverty because it is so important for everyone to have affordable access to the energy that we all need, especially in the depths of winter. Fuel poverty affects in particular older people, people with disabilities that keep them at ...

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

20 Jan 2016

Legacy Paper

Professor Gibb mentioned committees interacting with each other, which is important. Our committee does not tend to deal with planning very much, although the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee does. What would you suggest as a solution to that?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

20 Jan 2016

Legacy Paper

I will return to the issue of the usual suspects. I understand exactly what you say about a skilled intermediary; you are not talking about someone who would lead the discussion. Is our committee work effective in dealing with people and from the point of view of engagement?

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

20 Jan 2016

Legacy Paper

Professor Kearns mentioned the need to engage with individuals and the idea of having a panel about experiences. That engagement has proved difficult for us, because we tend to see the usual suspects. How can we engage with individuals? Are we doing the right thing? We go out...

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

14 Jan 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Is it your IT system that you are talking about?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

14 Jan 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

The bill is going to be passed.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

14 Jan 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

That is fine, but I think that I can still ask the question.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

14 Jan 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Thank you. We have passed two bills recently—the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill and the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament (Amendment) Bill. What impact will they have on staffing and other resources?

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

14 Jan 2016

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

I am interested in your comment that changes in working practices have contributed to the reduction in the number of reported concerns. Has there been a significant fall in the number of such concerns?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Thank you.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

That is what I meant.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

We should bear in mind that a lot of those graves are overseas.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission asked whether it could have a special dispensation for its areas.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I want to go back to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Do you think that it should have explicit treatment?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

That might allay some of the fears of the people who are near crematoria. I understand what you say about housing, but people are concerned that houses will be built right up to the limit. A guideline would be helpful and would allay some of the fears.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Would you consider introducing guidelines on the minimum distance, minister?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Would you consider reducing the distance from 200 yards to 100 yards or 50 yards? The matter has created a lot of controversy and correspondence. People want to be protected.

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Good morning, minister. I turn to the proximity of new crematoria—the 200-yard rule. Why did you decide not to put that in the bill?

Cameron Buchanan Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Subordinate Legislation

Would you suggest that notices should be put up? That is really what I was trying to ask about enforcement. 10:15

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Committee

13 Jan 2016

Subordinate Legislation

Good morning, minister. In France, they have bags for dog fouling in public parks, which people pay for. Is that a good idea? Should there be notices in public parks to say that the fine has been increased? Enforcement is very difficult. If you see someone letting their dog fo...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

13 Jan 2016

Social and Economic Success

I do not think that I have time. I mentioned rhetoric as well as policy because it can play a large role in shaping the investment climate that underpins our economy. I say that because it is particularly important in the run-up to more tax powers being devolved through the S...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

13 Jan 2016

Social and Economic Success

I think that the SNP is a great example of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. The main point to underline is that policy decisions cannot be assessed in isolation. Time and again it has been shown that policies must take into account the context in which the...

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

13 Jan 2016

Social and Economic Success

I welcome this opportunity to discuss what can be done to address the social and economic problems that face Scotland, including the need to help people into well-paid work. Discussions on broad general economic and social policy strike at the very heart of the political beli...

Cameron Buchanan Con Chamber

13 Jan 2016

Portfolio Question Time · National Health Service Consultations (In-patient Participation)

I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer. Consultations can sometimes feel like a way to kick an issue into the long grass. What help has the Scottish Government offered to NHS boards to make consultations quicker without compromising their response rate?

16. Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

13 Jan 2016

Portfolio Question Time · National Health Service Consultations (In-patient Participation)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered how it could make it easier for in-patients to participate in NHS consultations. (S4O-05249)

Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con) Con Chamber

12 Jan 2016

Scottish Local Shop Report

I, too, wish to congratulate the Scottish Grocers Federation on the launch of the first ever local shop report, produced in conjunction with the Association of Convenience Stores. We must emphasise the word “convenience”. As ever, the rich amount of detailed information provid...