Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-14520, in the name of Jamie Greene, on concern over the state of Scotland’s ferry services. 14:41

Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con) Con

I thank those on the ground who care passionately about delivering Scotland’s ferry services, those who work on board our vessels in our ports and harbours, ...

The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

If Jamie Greene is making assertions about the role of the Scottish Government, does he recognise that, over the past decade—certainly since 2010—we have fac...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Mr Greene, do not fret: I will give you your time back. However, you must not get up and stand while another member is speaking, anxious though you are.

Jamie Greene Con

Thank you, Presiding Officer. My goodness, the minister has an absolute cheek to stand up and tell members that it is somebody else’s fault that the ferry s...

The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

The Scottish Government recognises that our ferry services must strive to match the aspirations of the communities that they serve by providing lifeline serv...

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

The minister has twice said to the chamber something that is manifestly untrue. He has stated twice that the Scottish Government’s budget has been reduced by...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

That was a long intervention, so I will give you the time back, minister.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Thank you, Presiding Officer. I absolutely do not accept Mr Fraser’s assessment. I say with respect to Mr Fraser that to refer to financial transactions fun...

Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (LD) LD

Will the minister take an intervention?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I am short of time, but I will try to let Mr Scott in later. That support has delivered the introduction of new routes, service enhancements and strengthene...

Tavish Scott LD

Will the minister give way?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

May I bring in Mr Scott, Presiding Officer?

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

No. You are closing, so if do you, you are—

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I thought that I had additional time, Presiding Officer.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

You have, but you had only six minutes and you are getting just slightly over that.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Okay. I apologise to Mr Scott. Those are quite properly long-term measures. Given the scale of investment, it is important that we take an informed, strateg...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Please conclude and move your amendment, minister.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I thank you for your forbearance, Presiding Officer. I ask members to support my amendment. I move amendment S5M-14520.4, to leave out from “raises” to end ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call Colin Smyth to speak to and move amendment S5M-14520.3. You have five minutes, Mr Smyth. 14:56

Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

It is no exaggeration to say that Scotland’s ferry network provides a lifeline for communities. In evidence to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, ...

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP) SNP

Does Colin Smyth think that there is scope for varying fares, so that there could be a slightly higher fare at peak times, to try to even out demand?

Colin Smyth Lab

I do not think that that would go down particularly well with the people who would be looking at the prospect of higher fares. The issue is that the RET, whi...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Will Colin Smyth take an intervention?

Colin Smyth Lab

I will, if I have time.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

You have not, really.

Colin Smyth Lab

Overall, the Government does not seem to recognise that ferries—as all public transport does—provide a vital public service. That lack of recognition is summ...

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green

The Scottish Green Party will support the Conservative motion tonight. It is very difficult to take issue with it, although I always try to take issue with e...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani) SNP

Excuse me, Mr Finnie. Could you pull your microphone towards you a wee bit?

John Finnie Green

We heard where the Conservatives are really coming from when we heard their references to tendering. I certainly align myself with Colin Smyth’s comments abo...