Chamber
Plenary, 29 Jun 2000
29 Jun 2000 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Emergency Calls
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 issue in schools so that children realise that making time-wasting calls—not just hoax calls to report fires that do not exist, which is a serious matter—is wrong. We must also ensure that the public have a better understanding of how to contact the police on a non-emergency basis. Indeed, the last time that I listened in to calls at work, I heard people calling up to ask for the address of their local police station. The public do not know how to make contact with the police or other services. We have to do as Linda Fabiani suggests and develop an alternative way in which to connect with the police on non-emergency matters. That must be combined with a greater understanding of what an emergency is.
The other aspect of the matter is that the system is two-ended. At one end are the operators—BT and others—who provide the front end of the service, but behind them are the systems of the police, the fire brigade, the coastguard and so on. Those systems are a bit of a patchwork and are not as high-tech as they might be. There is no point in having the best front end in the world if all the calls are funnelled into a low-tech system. I ask the minister to deal with those points when he winds up the debate.
The other aspect of the matter is that the system is two-ended. At one end are the operators—BT and others—who provide the front end of the service, but behind them are the systems of the police, the fire brigade, the coastguard and so on. Those systems are a bit of a patchwork and are not as high-tech as they might be. There is no point in having the best front end in the world if all the calls are funnelled into a low-tech system. I ask the minister to deal with those points when he winds up the debate.
In the same item of business
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.