Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 23 January 2013
23 Jan 2013 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
“Review of Cross-Party Groups”
No names, no pack-drill. If I have learned anything in my life, I have learned to avoid pack-drill.
To me, the fact that the vast majority of MSPs are members of CPGs clearly indicates the interest that will exist across the chamber in the future shape of the cross-party group system.
The committee considers that the changes to the system that it has recommended will be of benefit and believes that they merit the support of members.
In undertaking the review, the committee sought to balance the need for some regulation and bureaucracy with the importance of not creating a system that involves needless burdens.
In making my views known, I agree absolutely with Graeme Pearson’s point about hospitality. I took on board his point that there should be an appropriate measure of hospitality; that is not a question of being lavish. On a cold night such as tonight, when we will host events as cross-party group conveners, it would be good to offer a cup of hot tea or coffee or a glass of orange juice.
Fiona McLeod was right to say that cross-party groups are not official committees of the Parliament. Cross-party groups are intended to inform MSPs and provide the opportunity to connect with civic Scotland. It is important to keep that in mind when we have cross-party group meetings. The issue is how we can be best informed in producing motions and other items in the Parliament.
Agreeing to the changes that are set out in the report will be the first step in delivering an effective system. However, as is always the case, the system will need to adapt to new experiences. As the report says, the committee is clear about the importance of developing and sharing best practice and advice. We will explore that with cross-party groups in the remainder of the parliamentary session.
There has been recent interest in cross-party groups, as anyone who read Scotland on Sunday a few weekends ago will know. In evidence to the committee, Chris Carman outlined the position of bodies that are similar to cross-party groups in other legislatures, including the United Kingdom Parliament and the European Parliament. In that evidence, Dr Carman—now a professor—identified what he saw as the benefit of the
“Parliament’s traditional openness and the amount of information that is available”—[Official Report, Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, 8 May 2012; c 390.]
about cross-party groups. The system that will be put in place through the revised code will allow the Parliament to continue that tradition.
I thank the committee’s convener and the clerks for their diligence and I thank colleagues on the committee for all the hard work that has gone into producing the report.
To me, the fact that the vast majority of MSPs are members of CPGs clearly indicates the interest that will exist across the chamber in the future shape of the cross-party group system.
The committee considers that the changes to the system that it has recommended will be of benefit and believes that they merit the support of members.
In undertaking the review, the committee sought to balance the need for some regulation and bureaucracy with the importance of not creating a system that involves needless burdens.
In making my views known, I agree absolutely with Graeme Pearson’s point about hospitality. I took on board his point that there should be an appropriate measure of hospitality; that is not a question of being lavish. On a cold night such as tonight, when we will host events as cross-party group conveners, it would be good to offer a cup of hot tea or coffee or a glass of orange juice.
Fiona McLeod was right to say that cross-party groups are not official committees of the Parliament. Cross-party groups are intended to inform MSPs and provide the opportunity to connect with civic Scotland. It is important to keep that in mind when we have cross-party group meetings. The issue is how we can be best informed in producing motions and other items in the Parliament.
Agreeing to the changes that are set out in the report will be the first step in delivering an effective system. However, as is always the case, the system will need to adapt to new experiences. As the report says, the committee is clear about the importance of developing and sharing best practice and advice. We will explore that with cross-party groups in the remainder of the parliamentary session.
There has been recent interest in cross-party groups, as anyone who read Scotland on Sunday a few weekends ago will know. In evidence to the committee, Chris Carman outlined the position of bodies that are similar to cross-party groups in other legislatures, including the United Kingdom Parliament and the European Parliament. In that evidence, Dr Carman—now a professor—identified what he saw as the benefit of the
“Parliament’s traditional openness and the amount of information that is available”—[Official Report, Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, 8 May 2012; c 390.]
about cross-party groups. The system that will be put in place through the revised code will allow the Parliament to continue that tradition.
I thank the committee’s convener and the clerks for their diligence and I thank colleagues on the committee for all the hard work that has gone into producing the report.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith)
Lab
The next item of business is a debate on motion S4M-05402, in the name of Dave Thompson, on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Commi...
Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to open this debate on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s review of cross-party groups. As CPGs are formed within the...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Lab
I call Graeme Pearson, with up to four minutes.16:46
Graeme Pearson (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Thank you, Presiding Officer. I hope that I will not need four minutes.First, I thank Dave Thompson and his committee for their valuable work reviewing the c...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Lab
Mr Pearson, could I stop you for a moment? Will members who are having conversations please do so outwith the chamber? Thank you. Mr Pearson, please continue.
Graeme Pearson
Lab
The one observation that I offer from experience is that the complete absence of an ability to fund some measure of small hospitality can be, to some extent,...
Fiona McLeod (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
SNP
I echo the words of the convener and Graeme Pearson.The cross-party groups are an incredibly important part of the Parliament. They are part of the way that ...
Helen Eadie (Cowdenbeath) (Lab)
Lab
I am happy to close the debate on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.As members will be aware, the vast majority of MSPs w...
David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
Name them!
Helen Eadie
Lab
No names, no pack-drill. If I have learned anything in my life, I have learned to avoid pack-drill.To me, the fact that the vast majority of MSPs are members...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Lab
Before we move to the next item of business, I remind members that they should not conduct conversations in the chamber during debates or use mobile devices,...