Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 10 September 2013
10 Sep 2013 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Scottish Parliament Salaries Scheme (Amendment)
When the other approaches that Linda Fabiani mentioned—namely, disqualification and recall—were considered, it was clear that there were technical barriers to achieving them, either in relation to devolved competence or retrospection, so when the alternative that we are considering was first suggested, I welcomed it, in the light of the urgency that was then thought to exist. That urgency no longer exists. In addition, I have very little doubt that if those technical barriers had not existed, the Parliament would have chosen to pursue disqualification or recall as a far preferable way of dealing with the situation.
As well as a lack of urgency, we now have a letter from the Secretary of State for Scotland in which he says that he has commissioned advice that will
“look at potential options for dealing with the situation where serving MSPs are convicted of serious offences, but do not meet the tests already set out”.
I am in no doubt that every member of this Parliament would agree that when serious offences are committed there should be a serious consequence. My concern is that if we agree to what is proposed without proper thought, without proper scrutiny and without looking at the alternatives that now exist, we will open up the possibility that, in future, a member who commits serious offences will be given a trivial response that is not adequate—
As well as a lack of urgency, we now have a letter from the Secretary of State for Scotland in which he says that he has commissioned advice that will
“look at potential options for dealing with the situation where serving MSPs are convicted of serious offences, but do not meet the tests already set out”.
I am in no doubt that every member of this Parliament would agree that when serious offences are committed there should be a serious consequence. My concern is that if we agree to what is proposed without proper thought, without proper scrutiny and without looking at the alternatives that now exist, we will open up the possibility that, in future, a member who commits serious offences will be given a trivial response that is not adequate—
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Tricia Marwick)
NPA
The next item of business is consideration of motion S4M-07629, in the name of Linda Fabiani, on an amendment to the Scottish Parliament salaries scheme. I c...
Linda Fabiani (East Kilbride) (SNP)
SNP
I rise to speak to the motion, which sets out an amendment to the Scottish Parliament salaries scheme.Recent events have highlighted concerns about how, in c...
Stewart Maxwell (West Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Linda Fabiani
SNP
No, I am sorry but I do not have time. I must get on.We also recognise that there is limited confidentiality available for any prisoner dealing with the rang...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Two members have asked to speak—Patrick Harvie and Christine Grahame. I can give you two minutes each.16:54
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)
Green
When the other approaches that Linda Fabiani mentioned—namely, disqualification and recall—were considered, it was clear that there were technical barriers t...
Stewart Maxwell
SNP
Will Patrick Harvie give way?
Patrick Harvie
Green
I am afraid that, as I have only two minutes, I do not have time.I am concerned that a member might be given a response that would not give effect to the gen...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
Given the amount of time that is available to me, I will truncate my remarks.This is not the way to do it. I fully appreciate why the corporate body felt it ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Mary Scanlon to wind up the debate.16:58
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
As my SPCB colleague Linda Fabiani has said, the motion that is being considered represents the unanimous view of all of us on the corporate body.There is a ...
Stewart Maxwell
SNP
Both Linda Fabiani and Mary Scanlon have said that a member would not be deducted 90 per cent of their salary for not performing their role if it was through...
Mary Scanlon
Con
That is a very good point. I appreciate that it probably requires further explanation, and I am about to cover it.I understand, as Christine Grahame suggeste...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Thank you, Mrs Scanlon.