Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP

The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20791, in the name of Clare Haughey, on the closure of Bank of Scotland branches. The ...

Clare Haughey (Rutherglen) (SNP) SNP

I thank colleagues who signed my motion on the closure of Bank of Scotland branches so that the debate could be brought to the chamber.From Tain in the north...

Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP) SNP

I congratulate my colleague Clare Haughey on bringing this important and timely debate to the chamber and on all the work that she is doing to save the Bank ...

Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con) Con

I, too, thank Clare Haughey for bringing this important debate the chamber.Decisions to close Bank of Scotland branches, including the one in Rutherglen, hav...

Clare Haughey SNP

I agree with all that Annie Wells has said about the impact on the community. There is also an impact on local charities, churches and community groups, such...

Annie Wells Con

I completely agree with Ms Haughey. That is what I am trying to say—that banks are the cornerstone of communities and we value them. Scouts, girl guides and ...

Davy Russell (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Lab

I must thank Clare Haughey for bringing this debate to Parliament, as bank closures have also been a big issue in part of my constituency. I will also mentio...

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

I, too, congratulate my colleague Clare Haughey on securing the motion for debate in the chamber. I said earlier during the debate on animal welfare that tha...

Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I intend to make just a short speech this evening on a particular closure in my region. However, I begin by thanking Clare Haughey for lodging the motion and...

Christine Grahame SNP

I have been banging on about credit unions in here for years, and I am pleased to hear that the member managed to get one on his main street. I have only ano...

Paul O’Kane Lab

I would be more than happy, in my last act of service to Christine Grahame, to ensure that those details are passed across to her, because she is completely ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP

I ask the minister, Richard Lochhead, to respond to the debate.18:50

The Minister for Business and Employment (Richard Lochhead) SNP

I thank Clare Haughey for bringing the debate before Parliament. The closure of high street branches and all the changes that that means for people in our co...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP

Thank you, minister. That concludes the debate. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business.