Chamber
Plenary, 05 Oct 2000
05 Oct 2000 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
First Minister's Question Time
Public Spending
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
I certainly agree with Michael McMahon about that. At the moment we are faced with a debate that has a certain air of unreality about it. We have a bid on the table, one might say, and a firm intention and declaration, which will be met. From other parts of the political horizon there come some very strange claims, which do not stand even the most cursory examination. The important point is to get on with the business of improving public services in Scotland, reaching levels of public spending that are higher in real terms than ever before, and ensuring that the quality of life for those who depend on those services is improved.
In the same item of business
4. Mr Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the First Minister what assessment has been made by the Scottish Executive of the impact of increased public spending. (S1F-588)
The First Minister (Donald Dewar):
Lab
As Michael McMahon knows, public spending will increase by £1.2 billion, £2.3 billion and £3.4 billion over the three years to 2003-04 cumulatively. That wil...
Mr McMahon:
Lab
I join the First Minister in welcoming the positive impact of the Scottish Executive's spending strategy. Does he agree that the alternative of cutting publi...
The First Minister:
Lab
I certainly agree with Michael McMahon about that. At the moment we are faced with a debate that has a certain air of unreality about it. We have a bid on th...
Andrew Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
Will the First Minister confirm that, at the end of the period to which he referred, Labour will be investing a lower proportion of the national wealth in pu...
The First Minister:
Lab
I will certainly look very carefully at that. However, I can tell Andrew Wilson that, in real terms, the level of public spending will be higher than ever be...