Chamber
Plenary, 28 Feb 2001
28 Feb 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Teaching Centres of Artistic Excellence
I support the motion that was introduced by Kenny Gibson.
Mike Rowell, the administrator of Ballet West, has been in contact with me since 6 June 2000. I believe that he has written to many MSPs seeking their help and support. I wrote to Mr Galbraith on the issue that we are discussing and have been kept informed of the on-going debate by Mike Rowell.
The original response from the Executive was clear: local authorities had control of the issue and the Executive was taking a hands-off approach. I do not think that that is the right approach. It seems iniquitous that, although dance and drama schemes have been introduced south of the border, Scotland is denying that opportunity to its students. It seems wrong that we do not attempt to resolve the situation.
Two weeks ago, I received a letter from Mr Rowell that said that Allan Wilson—I think—had indicated to him that Ballet West could put its case to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which could take a decision on whether to provide funding on a national basis. As a result of the debate, I ask the minister to use his influence to ensure that the Scottish Further Education Funding Council responds to the needs of Ballet West. That will help us ensure that there is equality for dance students in Scotland with dance students south of the border and that they have the opportunity to continue their studies in Scotland instead of having to travel south to seek tuition.
Mike Rowell, the administrator of Ballet West, has been in contact with me since 6 June 2000. I believe that he has written to many MSPs seeking their help and support. I wrote to Mr Galbraith on the issue that we are discussing and have been kept informed of the on-going debate by Mike Rowell.
The original response from the Executive was clear: local authorities had control of the issue and the Executive was taking a hands-off approach. I do not think that that is the right approach. It seems iniquitous that, although dance and drama schemes have been introduced south of the border, Scotland is denying that opportunity to its students. It seems wrong that we do not attempt to resolve the situation.
Two weeks ago, I received a letter from Mr Rowell that said that Allan Wilson—I think—had indicated to him that Ballet West could put its case to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which could take a decision on whether to provide funding on a national basis. As a result of the debate, I ask the minister to use his influence to ensure that the Scottish Further Education Funding Council responds to the needs of Ballet West. That will help us ensure that there is equality for dance students in Scotland with dance students south of the border and that they have the opportunity to continue their studies in Scotland instead of having to travel south to seek tuition.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S1M-1251, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on discrimination against teaching centres ...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the decision of the Department for Education and Employment to introduce Dance and Drama Awards for students to study at institutio...
Mr Kenneth Gibson (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
I am pleased to be able to introduce this debate today; I thank all members who signed the motion.A number of members have asked why the motion is so long—it...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
I point out, for the purposes of the Official Report, that I voted erroneously in the previous debate. I offer my apologies to Robin Harper; I was not paying...
Mr Brian Monteith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
I welcome the debate and congratulate Kenny Gibson on securing it—and on securing a spot or two on the lunchtime and evening news, publicising the problems o...
Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
A horrible thought.
Mr Monteith:
Con
It is a horrible thought, but it might be worse if it were me. The minister may pirouette as much as he wants, but until there is some action rather than min...
George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
I support the motion that was introduced by Kenny Gibson.Mike Rowell, the administrator of Ballet West, has been in contact with me since 6 June 2000. I beli...
Dr Winnie Ewing (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
I support Kenny Gibson's motion, but I am sad to say that George Lyon did not sign the motion and neither did any Labour members—perhaps they did not notice ...
Dr Richard Simpson (Ochil) (Lab):
Lab
I congratulate Kenny Gibson on securing the debate. There is no doubt that the current system gives rise to a waste of talent and, to an extent, an artistic ...
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
I am not sure whether I have to declare an interest, in that I once starred in a ballet. It was performed by the staff of a school at the variety show that w...
The Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture (Allan Wilson):
Lab
I welcome the opportunity with which Kenneth Gibson has presented me to respond for the Executive in this debate. It is an appropriate platform on which to r...
Mr Gibson:
SNP
Why then, on 21 July 2000, did the Scottish Executive write to Ballet West saying that "there is no widespread evidence of demand for post-16 Dance and Drama...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
That point was raised by Mr Monteith; I will respond to it in my concluding remarks.To suggest, as the motion does, that the Executive's policy discriminates...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I, too, met Mike Rowell at a surgery in Oban. He clearly outlined the situation. Is the minister saying that Ballet West is not an incorporated college? Is h...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I have said nothing of the sort. I am coming to private sector provision now.I welcome the part that many private sector providers play in the provision of d...
Linda Fabiani rose—
SNP
Allan Wilson:
Lab
Let me continue. I am sure that I shall come to Linda Fabiani's point.I recognise that Ballet West's Scottish students—as Elaine Murray, among others, recogn...
Linda Fabiani:
SNP
I intervene because I do not know a lot about this subject and I would appreciate some clarification from the minister. Is there any establishment for the ex...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
Linda Fabiani has raised the point that I was steadily making my way towards in concluding our debate. Brian Monteith, Kenny Gibson and others talked about d...
Meeting closed at 17:42.