Chamber
Plenary, 08 Feb 2007
08 Feb 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Transport and Works (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
That is why I made the point on the role of committees. The kind of scrutiny that the member describes is not provided by general parliamentary debates; the Parliament's bread-and-butter work is done in the committees. I strongly advocate and will always support the committees' right properly to scrutinise all such issues. I am sure that they will do so in the context of the national planning framework and will look into the detail behind it in relation to an individual committee's responsibilities.
I hope that Mr Ballance accepts that assurance. I do not accept that only the debate in Parliament would cover the wide range of projects; detailed scrutiny would take place in the committees.
As Maureen Watt knows, I stated in evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee:
"If the bill is enacted, transport proposals will continue to be subject to scrutiny, from the strategy documents, beginning with the strategic projects review, through to the infrastructure investment plan and culminating, for nationally significant projects, in the national planning framework."
I hope that Mr Ballance accepts that assurance. I do not accept that only the debate in Parliament would cover the wide range of projects; detailed scrutiny would take place in the committees.
As Maureen Watt knows, I stated in evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee:
"If the bill is enacted, transport proposals will continue to be subject to scrutiny, from the strategy documents, beginning with the strategic projects review, through to the infrastructure investment plan and culminating, for nationally significant projects, in the national planning framework."
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Transport and Works (Scotland) Bill. Members should have in front of them the bill as amended at stag...
Section 1—Orders as to transport systems and inland waterways
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
Group 1 is on the application of the bill to airport runways, and environmental statements. Amendment 1, in the name of Maureen Watt, is grouped with amendme...
Ms Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
Events that have occurred since stage 2 proceedings on the bill have precipitated the need for amendments 1 to 3. Recently, Aberdeen City Council was asked t...
The Minister for Transport (Tavish Scott):
LD
We should remember that the purpose of the bill is to replace the existing private bill process; it seeks to dispense with the arcane special parliamentary p...
Ms Watt:
SNP
Does not the minister agree that existing environmental assessments do not take into account the effects on our environment of factors such as climate change...
Tavish Scott:
LD
After this morning's debate, Maureen Watt should be careful about pushing an environmental line. Let us be clear: existing legislation covers the issues to w...
Chris Ballance (South of Scotland) (Green):
Green
Is the minister saying that applications to extend airport runways will be part of the national planning framework?
Tavish Scott:
LD
Applications to extend runways are dealt with by the planning process, under the legislation to which I have referred. It is important to look at the issue i...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
Is it not the case that, if an airport seeks to extend a runway on land that is already designated as airport property, the proposal can go ahead without con...
Tavish Scott:
LD
I understand that the planning process covers all eventualities and that there would, therefore, be formal consultation and the opportunity for formal expres...
Ms Watt:
SNP
If, as he says, the minister will use subordinate legislation to ensure that climate change factors are taken into account in environmental assessments, I se...
Amendment 1, by agreement, withdrawn.
Section 3—Crown land
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
Group 2 comprises minor amendments. Amendment 4, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendments 9 and 13.
Tavish Scott:
LD
Amendment 4 is a technical drafting amendment to improve references. The term "Crown interest" is used twice in section 3. Amendment 4 ensures that where the...
Amendment 4 agreed to.
Section 4—Applications
Amendment 2 not moved.
After section 7
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
Group 3 is on developments of national significance. Amendment 16, in the name of Maureen Watt, is the only amendment in the group.
Ms Watt:
SNP
Although there was general agreement that the existing system of dealing with major projects by means of a private act of the Scottish Parliament is not a sa...
David McLetchie (Edinburgh Pentlands) (Con):
Con
I have a great deal of sympathy with Maureen Watt's amendment 16. Section 13 deals with developments of national significance and provides that formal approv...
Chris Ballance:
Green
I, too, have a great deal of sympathy with amendment 16. It is important that we have some form of parliamentary scrutiny and debate on the general principle...
Tricia Marwick (Mid Scotland and Fife) (SNP):
SNP
In adding my support for Maureen Watt's amendment 16, I declare an interest as I was previously the convener of the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Bill Committe...
Tavish Scott:
LD
I take the issue seriously. It reflects a legitimate point of interest that has been raised, in different forms but in the same manner, at committee proceedi...
Chris Ballance:
Green
Will the minister give way?
Tavish Scott:
LD
In a minute.I assure Chris Ballance that it is not the case that there would be a three-minute speech for and a three-minute speech against. Ministers would ...
Chris Ballance:
Green
Does not the minister accept that the debate on the planning strategy will be a debate on a large number—perhaps 50 or 60—of planning issues? What is require...
Tavish Scott:
LD
That is why I made the point on the role of committees. The kind of scrutiny that the member describes is not provided by general parliamentary debates; the ...