Hansard

The Convener (Stewart Maxwell) SNP

Good morning and welcome to the third meeting in 2014 of the Education and Culture Committee. I remind everyone present to switch off mobile phones and other...

The Convener SNP

I start by calling amendment 380. As members know, the Presiding Officer has determined that rule 9.12.6(B) applies to this amendment. However, as no further...

The Convener SNP

Amendment 405, in the name of the cabinet secretary, is grouped with amendments 406, 407, 408, 408A, 409, 409A and 423.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Michael Russell) SNP

Thank you very much, convener, and thank you for inviting me before the committee to discuss these amendments. Unfortunately, given the amendments that I wil...

The Convener SNP

I have been extremely generous with time because, given that we are inserting a completely new part into the bill, I feel that it is appropriate for members ...

Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

I am afraid that my speech will be a little lengthy, but not quite as lengthy as the cabinet secretary’s speech, I hope.In the event of a school closure prop...

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD

Like the cabinet secretary and Liz Smith, I apologise at the start for the length of my comments, convener, although I hope that you are reassured that we wi...

The Convener SNP

A number of members wish to contribute to the debate on this group. I begin by calling Neil Bibby.

Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I have a number of concerns about amendment 408, and I note COSLA’s concerns about the exclusion from the bill of provisions to implement recommendation 20 i...

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) SNP

Having experienced the closure of no less than six rural schools in Midlothian, I obviously have a big interest in this proposed new section. I welcome the c...

Mike MacKenzie (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in favour of amendment 408. Indeed, I felt it important to do so, given the real difficulty that the issue of scho...

The Convener SNP

Before I call the cabinet secretary, I have one or two comments to make on the amendments.I support the amendments in the name of the cabinet secretary. Give...

Michael Russell SNP

Thank you, convener, and thank you for the discussion that has taken place.I will start with Mr McArthur’s amendment 409A. I understand the point that he is ...

Liam McArthur LD

Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?

Michael Russell SNP

Absolutely.

Liam McArthur LD

I am grateful that the cabinet secretary accepts at least the principle that lies behind what I am seeking to achieve with amendment 409A. He has just implie...

Michael Russell SNP

No—I disagree. The matter will be best dealt with if we have robust legislation that is entirely clear, and we are trying to improve the 2010 act in this pro...

Neil Bibby Lab

Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?

Michael Russell SNP

Of course.

Neil Bibby Lab

It is not just me who has raised concerns about the altering of the balance of the legislation—Councillor Douglas Chapman has done that, too, on behalf of CO...

Michael Russell SNP

I heard Mr Bibby the first time that he mentioned that. My point remains. I disagree with COSLA on the issue. I have done so openly and have had a discussion...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 406 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division.ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Biagi, Marco (Edinburgh Central) (SNP)Maxwell...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 7, Against 2, Abstentions 0.Amendment 406 agreed to.Amendment 407 moved—Michael Russell—and agreed to.Amendment 408 moved—...

The Convener SNP

I ask Liz Smith to move or not move amendment 408A.

Liz Smith Con

I will not move it, on the basis of the strict understanding that the cabinet secretary will engage prior to stage 3 and that we can put in motion an amendme...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 408 be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division.ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Biagi, Marco (Edinburgh Central) (SNP)Maxwell...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 7, Against 0, Abstentions 2. Amendment 408 agreed to.Amendment 409 moved—Michael Russell.

The Convener SNP

I ask Liam McArthur to move or not move amendment 409A.