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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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1999–2026
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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
22 Mar 2011
Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill
It is appropriate that the final debate in this session should deal with an important legal principle. The principle of the rule against double jeopardy has been enshrined in Scots law down the centuries. It would be oppressive if we lived in a society in which the Crown or th...
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
22 Mar 2011
Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
I agree with James Kelly, although perhaps for different reasons. As is generally known, I am a great supporter of the common law, which I believe has served Scotland well over the centuries. However, James Kelly is right to support these amendments today, and we will support ...
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
17 Mar 2011
Clydebank Blitz 70th Anniversary
I congratulate Des McNulty on bringing the matter before the Parliament. I speak as a member of a fairly blessed generation. Born post-war, I did not have to go and fight. My father had to, as did his father, who lost an arm in the process. Nor did I, as a child, live under th...
Bill Aitken Con Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill
I thank Mike Pringle for his kind remarks, which I appreciated.I hope that when the bill is passed, Rhoda Grant does not feel that because of what happened to section 2 she is getting only half the loaf—although half a loaf is clearly better than no loaf—because I do not think...
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill
Instances of domestic abuse in Scotland remain stubbornly—indeed, disgracefully—high. There were 51,926 incidents of domestic abuse in the last recorded year, which is unacceptable. Those incidents happened despite the best efforts of everyone concerned over the past 12 years....
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
16 Mar 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
There were always going to be definitional difficulties. There is no doubt that when we sat down to establish whether a route forward was ascertainable, it was exceptionally difficult. I am not at all satisfied that there may not have to be some judicial determination of some ...
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
03 Mar 2011
Damages (Scotland) Bill
When someone is killed or dies as a result of an industrial accident or illness or in the short and fairly traumatic circumstances of a road traffic accident, and where there is negligence and liability, the settlement should be achieved firmly, fairly and expeditiously.Bill B...
Bill Aitken Con Chamber
03 Mar 2011
Damages (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Bill Butler has spent a lot of time and put a lot of commitment into getting the bill through the Parliament and his enthusiasm for having it implemented as soon as possible is entirely understandable. However, certain dangers could arise if we proceeded as he has suggested in...
Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con) Con Chamber
03 Mar 2011
Damages (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Amendment 3 obviates a difficulty that could arise. Overall, consideration of this matter has revealed that we can no longer operate on the basis of the nuclear family. Times have changed and the law must move with them. The amendments that are proposed by Mr Ewing are satisfa...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Subordinate Legislation
That concludes the public part of the meeting.13:06 Meeting continued in private until 13:14.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Subordinate Legislation
It is a question of arithmetic rather than the law. There being no further questions, we proceed to item 5, which is formal consideration of the motion to approve the instrument that we considered under the previous item. I ask Mr Ewing to move the motion formally.Motion moved...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Subordinate Legislation
Surely, minister, the point is that it is possible to be a step-parent at a much earlier age than that at which one could become a parent.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Subordinate Legislation
The list of offences is clearly stated in article 2 of the order. Do members have questions?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Subordinate Legislation
The purpose of agenda item 4 is to allow the committee to take evidence on an affirmative instrument: the draft Retention of Samples etc (Children’s Hearings) (Scotland) Order 2011. As noted in paper 3, the instrument relates to a provision in the Criminal Justice and Licensin...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends stage 2 consideration of the bill. There is clearly still a bit of work to be done but, in view of the obvious goodwill that exists, I am confident that that can be achieved.12:49 Meeting suspended. 12:53 On resuming—
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Ms Grant, do you feel the need to wind up?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Against the background of that glowing endorsement, does the minister have anything to add?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The amendments appear to be fairly straightforward. Are there any other contributions?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The next group is on ancillary provision and commencement. Amendment 9, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 10 and 11.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The result of the division is: For 3, Against 5, Abstentions 0.Amendment 18 disagreed to.Section 4—Meaning of “domestic abuse”Amendment 8 moved—Rhoda Grant—and agreed to.Before section 5
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
There will be a division.ForButler, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab)Craigie, Cathie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab)Kelly, James (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab)AgainstAitken, Bill (Glasgow) (Con)Brown, Robert (Glasgow) (LD)Don, Nigel (North East Scotland) (SNP) Maxwell, Stewart (West...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The question is, that amendment 18 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
So says the minister, with all due immodesty. I presume that you do not want to wind up, Ms Grant.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The next group is on the maximum period of imprisonment on summary conviction. Amendment 6, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is the only amendment in the group.12:45
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The result of the division is: For 3, Against 5, Abstentions 0.Amendment 5A disagreed to.Amendment 5 agreed to.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
There will be a division.ForButler, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab)Craigie, Cathie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab)Kelly, James (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab)AgainstAitken, Bill (Glasgow) (Con)Brown, Robert (Glasgow) (LD)Don, Nigel (North East Scotland) (SNP) Maxwell, Stewart (West...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The question is, that amendment 5A be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Amendment 16, in the name of Rhoda Grant, was debated with amendment 15. If amendment 16 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 5, or as a consequence amendment 5A, on the grounds of pre-emption.Amendment 16 not moved.Amendment 5 moved—Fergus Ewing.Amendment 5A moved—Rhoda Grant.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The result of the division is: For 3, Against 5, Abstentions 0.Amendment 15 disagreed to.Section 3—Breach of interdict with power of arrest
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
There will be a division.ForButler, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab)Craigie, Cathie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab)Kelly, James (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab)AgainstAitken, Bill (Glasgow) (Con)Brown, Robert (Glasgow) (LD)Don, Nigel (North East Scotland) (SNP) Maxwell, Stewart (West...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The question is, that amendment 15 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
We will come to amendment 15 in a moment. This is going to be complicated.Amendment 15A, by agreement, withdrawn.Amendments 15B and 15C not moved.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
We are talking about amendment 15A.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
As has already been commented upon, we have before us a plethora of amendments that are predicated on the difficulties of definition. We anticipated that at stage 1. It is not easy to come up with a satisfactory definition. If it was, I would have lodged an amendment as well, ...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
We move on to interdicts, breach of which is an offence. Amendment 15, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 15A to 15C, 16, 5, 5A, 17, 7 and 18. I draw members’ attention to the pre-emption information in the groupings paper.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Let us deal with matters as we get to them. Believe me, it will make life simpler.Amendment 13, by agreement, withdrawn.Amendment 4 moved—Fergus Ewing—and agreed to.After section 2Amendment 14 not moved.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
It was clear at the stage 1 debate that there were difficulties with regard to section 2. Rhoda Grant has clearly recognised that, because amendment 13 would remove section 2 and substitute a wording that Rhoda Grant feels would assure what we all want, namely that the victims...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Section 2 amendments are on the provision of civil legal aid in cases of domestic abuse and the monitoring of such provision. Amendment 13, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 4, 14 and 12.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
I invite Rhoda Grant to wind up and to indicate whether she will press or withdraw amendment 1, although the answer is fairly self-evident.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The issue concerned me, not because I had any particular issues about the direction of travel—far from it—but because of definitional problems that could have arisen. I am pleased about the discussion and progress towards what I regard as a satisfactory outcome. That is, of co...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Section 1 is on non-harassment orders in cases of domestic abuse. Amendment 1, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 2, 3 and 8.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Under agenda item 3, we have the only planned day of stage 2 proceedings on the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill. There are 22 amendments—including, unusually, some amendments to amendments—and for the purpose of debate they have been organised into five groups.I welcome Rhoda G...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
There are no further questions. I thank the minister and Mr Stockwell for their attendance this morning. There are a number of unanswered questions—more than I would have preferred—so it would be appreciated if we could have the information as quickly as possible.11:34 Meeting...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
We turn to residential ground leases.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I think that it was Professor Rennie.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
That issue can be considered.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
We will move on. James Kelly will ask about finance.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
An awful lot of leases will be concentrated in comparatively limited areas. Is there a danger of getting a skewed result?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Cathie Craigie will finish off the questioning in this area, but before she does, I draw your attention to the fact that although the SLC looked at entries in the land register for its study, it did so for only four out of the 33 land registration counties. One hopes that its ...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Did you consider Professor Gretton’s suggestion—which there is certainly evidence to support—that it might be advantageous to increase the period from 175 years to 225 years?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
To some extent, we are talking about the matter in a vacuum, as we do not have the numbers on which we could make a reasoned judgment. The estimate that only seven leases would be affected suggests that the issue is not of great importance, but we cannot be totally satisfied t...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
We will now move on to perhaps less contentious issues. You have had the opportunity of listening to the evidence of Mr Strachan, of Brodies, and you have also had sight of the evidence that we have received in recent weeks.Professors Gretton and Rennie dispute the policy need...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I was merely citing Glasgow as an example. In fairness, it is probably the extreme example, because of its population, but the issues could apply just as readily, albeit on a much reduced scale, to any other local authority area.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
The issue still arises. As all of us know, there are people in every community who get a bee in their bonnet about certain issues. Glasgow is the most obvious example, because it is the biggest local authority. The number of people who are likely to make an issue of common goo...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Thank you very much. Robert Brown will open with questions on common good.
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I welcome the final witnesses: Fergus Ewing MSP, the Minister for Community Safety, who will be with us for the bulk of the remainder of the morning to discuss various issues; and Simon Stockwell, the bill team manager, from the Scottish Government. We will take a short statem...
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
It was important for us to have had you here for this session and to have received your written submission. It has been exceptionally helpful that you have come to the committee to answer our questions, and we are most appreciative.10:27 Meeting suspended. 10:28 On resuming—
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Ms Reilly?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Is there anything that you would like to add, Mr Strachan?
The Convener Con Committee
08 Feb 2011
Long Leases (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Are there any other questions for Mr Strachan? I see that Nigel Don wants to come in.
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Committee

Justice Committee 08 February 2011

08 Feb 2011 · S3 · Justice Committee
Item of business
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Aitken, Bill Con Glasgow Watch on SPTV
There will be a division.ForButler, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab)Craigie, Cathie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab)Kelly, James (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab)AgainstAitken, Bill (Glasgow) (Con)Brown, Robert (Glasgow) (LD)Don, Nigel (North East Scotland) (SNP) Maxwell, Stewart (West of Scotland) (SNP)Thompson, Dave (Highlands and Islands) (SNP)

In the same item of business

The Convener Con
Under agenda item 3, we have the only planned day of stage 2 proceedings on the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill. There are 22 amendments—including, unusually,...
The Convener Con
Section 1 is on non-harassment orders in cases of domestic abuse. Amendment 1, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 2, 3 and 8.
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab
I want to put on record my thanks to the minister and his team for their assistance in drafting many of the amendments and for their help with technical issu...
James Kelly Lab
I indicate my support for all the amendments that Rhoda Grant has lodged in the group. As she outlined, she has taken account of the stage 1 evidence and deb...
Stewart Maxwell SNP
I, too, indicate support for Rhoda Grant’s amendments in the group. The amendments relate to a difficult part of the bill; there are good arguments on both s...
The Convener Con
The issue concerned me, not because I had any particular issues about the direction of travel—far from it—but because of definitional problems that could hav...
Fergus Ewing SNP
Thank you, convener. I am pleased to work with Rhoda Grant, precisely as she has indicated. At the stage 1 debate, I said that we were happy to do that. Both...
The Convener Con
I invite Rhoda Grant to wind up and to indicate whether she will press or withdraw amendment 1, although the answer is fairly self-evident.
Rhoda Grant Lab
Indeed. There is no reason for me to make further comment at this point.Amendment 1 agreed to.Amendments 2 and 3 moved—Rhoda Grant—and agreed to.Section 1, a...
The Convener Con
Section 2 amendments are on the provision of civil legal aid in cases of domestic abuse and the monitoring of such provision. Amendment 13, in the name of Rh...
Rhoda Grant Lab
There is anecdotal evidence that, because of financial constraint, victims of domestic abuse are not able to access the protection that is available. That wa...
Fergus Ewing SNP
Amendments 4 and 12 delete section 2 from the bill and make a consequential amendment to the long title. The Government has been opposed to section 2, which ...
Robert Brown LD
I substantially agree with the minister on these matters. It is important that people who suffer domestic abuse should have urgent access to legal aid as req...
James Kelly Lab
I support Rhoda Grant’s amendments 13 and 14. She has taken a pragmatic view on section 2. Concerns were expressed in evidence and in debate about singling o...
Stewart Maxwell SNP
I very much agree with Rhoda Grant’s intention in introducing the bill and I, too, hope that it will have positive, practical effects. For the reasons given ...
The Convener Con
It was clear at the stage 1 debate that there were difficulties with regard to section 2. Rhoda Grant has clearly recognised that, because amendment 13 would...
Rhoda Grant Lab
I have listened carefully to the committee’s and the minister’s comments. I am also grateful to the minister for putting on record the current situation, whi...
The Convener Con
Let us deal with matters as we get to them. Believe me, it will make life simpler.Amendment 13, by agreement, withdrawn.Amendment 4 moved—Fergus Ewing—and ag...
The Convener Con
We move on to interdicts, breach of which is an offence. Amendment 15, in the name of Rhoda Grant, is grouped with amendments 15A to 15C, 16, 5, 5A, 17, 7 an...
Rhoda Grant Lab
I will explain the background to the amendments. The committee and the minister supported the policy objectives of section 3 at stage 1, but there were a num...
Fergus Ewing SNP
I am most happy to consider the anecdotal evidence and other issues that the member in charge mentioned in relation to the previous group and will also ask S...
Robert Brown LD
This is an extraordinarily difficult area, as we all know. We are faced with an almost bewildering number of alternatives, which does credit to Rhoda Grant’s...
James Kelly Lab
There is no doubt that this is a complex area and that we have a complex set of amendments, which leads on from the proposed deletion of section 4. The bill ...
Stewart Maxwell SNP
I support amendment 5, which deals with the problem of having to have a definition. It offers a tight definition of domestic abuse that most of us understand...
Nigel Don SNP
Having heard Stewart Maxwell’s comments, I endorse everything that he has just said.
The Convener Con
As has already been commented upon, we have before us a plethora of amendments that are predicated on the difficulties of definition. We anticipated that at ...
Rhoda Grant Lab
I am grateful to the committee for spending time on this issue, which I recognise is not straightforward. I am also grateful to the minister for saying that ...
The Convener Con
We are talking about amendment 15A.
Rhoda Grant Lab
Can I withdraw amendment 15A?
The Convener Con
We will come to amendment 15 in a moment. This is going to be complicated.Amendment 15A, by agreement, withdrawn.Amendments 15B and 15C not moved.