Chamber
Plenary, 18 Nov 1999
18 Nov 1999 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Domestic Water Supply (Bo'ness)
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 issues such as this are now raised and aired, whereas at Westminster they are never dealt with. The Parliament will be judged by the extent to which action is taken as a result of the debate. Debate in itself is not good enough—we need action. I say to the minister that we need action from her now.
I am reminded of Ibsen's play, "A Public Enemy", in which somebody cries foul and that person becomes the public enemy in the eyes of the authorities. Ibsen's play was about a swimming pool and its water supply. In this case, we are talking about the water supply for domestic purposes, which is even more important.
I agree with three substantive points raised by Donald Gorrie. First, we must address long-term investment in the water supply, especially in situations such as this, where it may not be part of the mainstream investment programme but where something has gone wrong and is a potential if not an actual threat to public health.
Secondly, we must make the water boards much more accountable to the people they are supposed to serve; to the clientele. I agree with Donald Gorrie that the present structure is not accountable enough.
Thirdly, we must ensure that such problems receive a far faster response. As Michael Matheson pointed out, this is not a new problem. It has not arisen in the past six months since the Scottish Parliament was elected—it has existed for at least 10 years.
When she addresses the issue, I hope that the minister will take this as a template for the way in which to deal with situations where a much faster response than 10 years is needed. While the matter raises much bigger issues and exemplifies many of the bigger policy issues in relation to the water boards, I would make two points to the minister. First, I ask her to take action now on the Bo'ness supply. Secondly, we should learn the lessons for the future from this matter so that no other community in Scotland has to undergo a 10year wait before its domestic water supply gets back to normal.
I am reminded of Ibsen's play, "A Public Enemy", in which somebody cries foul and that person becomes the public enemy in the eyes of the authorities. Ibsen's play was about a swimming pool and its water supply. In this case, we are talking about the water supply for domestic purposes, which is even more important.
I agree with three substantive points raised by Donald Gorrie. First, we must address long-term investment in the water supply, especially in situations such as this, where it may not be part of the mainstream investment programme but where something has gone wrong and is a potential if not an actual threat to public health.
Secondly, we must make the water boards much more accountable to the people they are supposed to serve; to the clientele. I agree with Donald Gorrie that the present structure is not accountable enough.
Thirdly, we must ensure that such problems receive a far faster response. As Michael Matheson pointed out, this is not a new problem. It has not arisen in the past six months since the Scottish Parliament was elected—it has existed for at least 10 years.
When she addresses the issue, I hope that the minister will take this as a template for the way in which to deal with situations where a much faster response than 10 years is needed. While the matter raises much bigger issues and exemplifies many of the bigger policy issues in relation to the water boards, I would make two points to the minister. First, I ask her to take action now on the Bo'ness supply. Secondly, we should learn the lessons for the future from this matter so that no other community in Scotland has to undergo a 10year wait before its domestic water supply gets back to normal.
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.