Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith) Lab

The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-07932, in the name of Claire Baker, on national parks: unfinished business. The debate...

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lab

Establishing the national parks was one of the early achievements of the Scottish Parliament. The legislation was steered through by Sarah Boyack, who was th...

Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) SNP

I congratulate Claire Baker on securing the debate. Although I supported her motion, she will be aware that I have lodged what I hope she sees as a friendly ...

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab) Lab

I congratulate Claire Baker on securing the debate and welcome the publication by the SCNP and the APRS of their report, “Unfinished Business”.It is great to...

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

I thank Sarah Boyack for taking an intervention and assure that I will not take too much time over it. I simply wonder whether, having recognised the resourc...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

I will give you that time back, Ms Boyack.

Sarah Boyack Lab

Thank you very much, Presiding Officer.That is exactly why we need a ministerial lead. Over the years, there have been many suggestions for different nationa...

Alex Fergusson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Con

As other members have done, I congratulate Claire Baker on securing the debate.As a member of the Rural Affairs Committee from 1999, I was involved in Parlia...

Claudia Beamish (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I am glad to be here to welcome the publication of the national parks strategy for Scotland. I thank my colleague Claire Baker for securing the debate, which...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

I invite Paul Wheelhouse to respond to the debate. Minister, you have seven minutes.17:31

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

Many interesting and positive comments have been made about national parks in Scotland. I congratulate Claire Baker on bringing the issue to the attention of...

Claire Baker Lab

I, too, have had meetings with John Mayhew and others who are interested in the issue. My impression was more that they were keen for the debate to be on the...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Presiding Officer, I look to you for guidance on whether I will get that time back.

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

You will.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I understand the member’s point, and I will come on to explain the wider strategy.The report states:“We consider that a pragmatic approach should be taken to...

Christine Grahame SNP

Will the minister take an intervention?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I am really short of time, so I will not, unless the Presiding Officer gives me some latitude.

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

I will allow you extra time if you wish to take the intervention, minister.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Thank you, Presiding Officer.

Christine Grahame SNP

Will the minister or his officials engage with the Pentland hills regional park consultative forum? He will be happy to hear that it is not looking for money...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

As the member knows, I have written to her on the matter. The key issue is really the support of local authorities for the extension to the regional park bou...