Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 08 March 2023
08 Mar 2023 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Business Motion
We received the request from the Conservative Party late on Monday. I have committed to coming back to the bureau with a response, as per standard bureau process. I have heard more detail from Mr Lumsden now than I heard at bureau. As you will agree, Presiding Officer, the whole point of having the Parliamentary Bureau is to give us a place where we can have these discussions and make such points there and then.
None of that came from the Conservatives’ business manager. He mentioned the statement, and I said that we would look into it. Nothing else was said with regard to that. Excuse me if I am slightly cynical about the political opportunism of the Conservatives in this situation.
On Mr Bibby’s amendment regarding next week’s PCS strike action, I, too, pay tribute to all the Scottish Parliament staff and the work that they do to make our work better. However, as we discussed at bureau, Parliament will be sitting as normal at that time, subject to the corporate body agreeing to that in its meeting tomorrow.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-081050, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a bu...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Douglas Lumsden to speak to and move amendment S6M-08150.1. 16:55
Douglas Lumsden (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
My amendment seeks to insert ministerial statements into next week’s business. First, we are looking for a statement on the disastrous deposit return scheme....
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Let us hear Mr Lumsden.
Douglas Lumsden
Con
As I said, questions remain, which is why we are looking for a ministerial statement to be added to the business programme. Those questions include: is that ...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I understand that this is an amendment to a business motion, but I am hearing a speech about council matters. I see...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Mr Lumsden is seeking a statement on those issues.
Douglas Lumsden
Con
I have visited big noise Torry and I know the good work that it does. It deserves to be treated better than it is at present. The attack by local SNP council...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Neil Bibby to speak to and move amendment S6M-08150.2. 17:00
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
On behalf of Scottish Labour, I would like to pay tribute once again to our parliamentary staff for all their hard work in supporting us and ensuring the eff...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call George Adam to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau. 17:02
The Minister for Parliamentary Business (George Adam)
SNP
We received the request from the Conservative Party late on Monday. I have committed to coming back to the bureau with a response, as per standard bureau pro...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question is, that amendment S6M-08150.1, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, which seeks to amend business motion S6M-08150, in the name of George Adam, on b...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:04 Meeting suspended. 17:06 On resuming—
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question is, that amendment S6M-08150.1, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, which seeks to amend business motion S6M-08150, in the name of George Adam, on b...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The result of the division is: For 56, Against 65, Abstentions 0. Amendment disagreed to.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question is, that amendment S6M-08150.2, in the name of Neil Bibby, which seeks to amend business motion S6M-08150, in the name of George Adam, on behalf...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There will be a division. For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sa...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The result of the division is: For 22, Against 94, Abstentions 5. Amendment disagreed to.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The next question is, that motion S6M-08150, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme, be agreed t...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There will be a division. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The result of the division is: For 97, Against 22, Abstentions 1. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-08151, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on a stage 1 time...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Paul O’Kane to speak to and move amendment S6M-08151.1. 17:12
Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
This week, we have heard much about the proposed National Care Service (Scotland) Bill, not in the chamber but in the newspapers and, of course, on our telev...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Mr O’Kane, just give me a moment. I am aware that several conversations are taking place across the chamber. I would be grateful if those could wait until me...
Paul O’Kane
Lab
I know that SNP back benchers will be comparing the performances of their respective candidates last night. Clearly, there is no unity in the Government on ...
Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
I thank Paul O’Kane for his amendment. Finally, the SNP has come to the same realisation as the unions, local authorities, its own back benchers and the pub...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Mr Hoy, can I stop you there? I am deeply frustrated. A number of conversations are carrying on while a member is addressing the Parliament. Can we please ...
Craig Hoy
Con
They do not want to hear about the division within their own ranks, Presiding Officer. The Government must come to this Parliament, make its position clear...