Chamber
Plenary, 18 Nov 1999
18 Nov 1999 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Domestic Water Supply (Bo'ness)
Cathy, you had several meetings with Falkirk Council that you did not inform me of and it was Falkirk Council itself that informed me about the European funding. I understand that Michael Connarty MP was dealing with it—I would like to think he kept you informed.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
I make my usual appeal to members who are leaving to do so quietly and quickly—and, on this occasion, to take their coats with them. We now move to the membe...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes with concern the on-going pollution of the domestic water supply in parts of Bo'ness with heavy metals; notes that East of Scotland...
Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I welcome the opportunity to raise this important matter here this evening. I thank the minister and the First Minister for staying behind to debate this imp...
Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
Lab
As the constituency MSP for Falkirk East, I was somewhat surprised when I heard that this debate was to take place. It would have been a good idea if Michael...
Michael Matheson:
SNP
Cathy, you had several meetings with Falkirk Council that you did not inform me of and it was Falkirk Council itself that informed me about the European fund...
Cathy Peattie:
Lab
I had one meeting with Falkirk Council and suggested that at the next meeting we invite Michael along. It would have been a good idea to speak to me because ...
Mr Gil Paterson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I have a great fondness and high regard for Bo'ness that goes back to a time a number of years ago when I was elected on the same day as Councillor Harry Con...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
I hope that you will return to the subject of Bo'ness fairly quickly and that you are providing an illustrative example.
Mr Paterson:
SNP
I guarantee it.The answers that Sandra Cox received wereunsatisfactory. It is unacceptable that authorities are being underhand and secretive and are rubbish...
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
Public confidence in water is critical. I hope that the minister will ensure that the confidence of the people of Bo'ness is restored by whatever means are n...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
congratulate Mr Matheson on bringing the issue to the Parliament's attention and to the minister's attention. One of the benefits of this Parliament is that ...
The Minister for Transport and the Environment (Sarah Boyack):
Lab
I would like to thank the members who have remained in the chamber to listen to the debate. I would also like to thank Michael Matheson for raising the issue...
Michael Matheson:
SNP
Will the minister give way?
Sarah Boyack:
Lab
No, I have only a few minutes and there are many points to answer.
Michael Matheson:
SNP
I have a very important point to make.
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
The minister has declined to give way.
Sarah Boyack:
Lab
Thank you, Presiding Officer. I was very patient when listening to Mr Matheson. The letter to which I am referring is that of 15 November, which, I assume, i...
Meeting closed at 17:44.