Hansard

The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel): NPA

The final item is a members' business debate on motion S1M-999, in the name of Linda Fabiani, on 999 emergency calls. The debate will be concluded without an...

Motion debated,

That the Parliament urges all members of the public who believe themselves to be in danger to contact the relevant emergency service by dialling 999 without ...

Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (SNP): SNP

Before speaking to the motion directly, I would like to outline the current situation with regard to contacting the emergency services.The current system is ...

David Mundell (South of Scotland) (Con): Con

I should first declare that I used to work for British Telecommunications plc, as I want to speak from my own experience.BT and other companies that provide ...

Linda Fabiani: SNP

Would Mr Mundell accept that, if people became used to the idea that there was a national police line that they could call and be diverted to a local police ...

David Mundell: Con

I am coming to that, because the use of the 999 service on a non-emergency basis is a serious problem that must be addressed. It is important to raise the is...

Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD): LD

This debate is helpful as it concerns a number of issues that are fairly intractable. Many years ago, when I was a councillor, the police had a big education...

Nick Johnston (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): Con

I thank Linda Fabiani for securing this interesting debate. It is apposite that, at this time, when we are just coming up to the first anniversary of the Sco...

Fiona McLeod (West of Scotland) (SNP): SNP

I want to ask the minister a brief question. Following this debate, could we commission research, or have research produced by the Scottish Parliament inform...

Ben Wallace (North-East Scotland) (Con): Con

I support David Mundell's point that something has to be done, given such a high percentage of wrong or inappropriate calls, and I also support Linda Fabiani...

The Deputy Minister for Justice (Angus MacKay): Lab

I congratulate Linda Fabiani on lodging her motion on 999 emergency calls, which has enabled us to have today's discussion on what is an important issue, par...

Ben Wallace: Con

On a point of order. On 12 May I asked a question of the Scottish Executive about whether it will publish a report into Tayside Health Board's task force. I ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid): SNP

That is an interesting point to have thrown at one so late in the evening. I will reflect upon it and endeavour to provide a response by letter tomorrow.

Meeting closed at 17:43.