Hansard

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

28 Mar 2007

Subordinate Legislation

I am grateful to my colleague for his forensic and logical analysis of the events. I am also grateful to Ross Finnie for his response to my question about the final paragraph of John Elvidge's letter to Fergus Ewing. To be fair, the minister was quite candid and acknowledged t...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

28 Mar 2007

Subordinate Legislation

In the final paragraph of his letter to Fergus Ewing, John Elvidge says:"In this instance, the distinction between consultation prior to the decision to introduce a closure, consultation on the terms of the original Order, and consultation on the No. 2 Order appears to have be...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Alginate Industry (Western Isles)

I thank the minister for his answer and his observation. Will he join me in congratulating two enterprising young men, Martin MacLeod and Malcolm MacRae, who have successfully resuscitated an age-old industry in the Western Isles, employing cutters, lorry drivers and factory o...

1. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Alginate Industry (Western Isles)

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment its enterprise department has made of the contribution of the alginate industry to the Western Isles economy and how it supports that industry. (S2O-12462)

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

Scotland in the United Kingdom

Such are the ups and downs of politics. I am painting a picture of the reality of 10 years of a Labour Government at Westminster and eight years of unionist parties leading the Administration here at Holyrood. That has transformed life and work for many islanders in the Wester...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

22 Mar 2007

Scotland in the United Kingdom

It is worth reflecting that only 10 short years ago, Michael Forsyth was Scotland's premier politician. If anyone cares to examine what it means for rural or island Scotland to have a Labour Government at Westminster and two unionist parties leading this Administration in Edin...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003<br />(Countryside Access)

Will the minister provide an update on the latest situation with the Pairc court case, which involves crofters from the Lochs area of Lewis? Those crofters are trying to secure the land that they live on, in spite of the best efforts of an absentee landowner, who is trying to ...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

07 Mar 2007

Football (Sectarianism)

I extend a warm welcome to representatives of Rangers Football Club who are in the public gallery.The twin evils of bigotry and racism blight many societies around the world and, sadly, Scotland is no different. Bigotry and racism are major societal challenges but they are cha...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

01 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Schools (Western Isles)

As everyone knows, our Administration is committed to building new schools. Our record of investment in the past decade speaks for itself and tens of millions of pounds have been invested appropriately. As the minister knows, the parents and pupils of the Western Isles are no ...

5. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

01 Mar 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Schools (Western Isles)

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the public-private partnership scheme for schools in the Western Isles. (S2O-12236)

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

22 Feb 2007

Affordable Housing

While Mr Gallie is eulogising the Tory glory days, will he reflect on the house repossessions of that era?

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

22 Feb 2007

Affordable Housing

Maureen Macmillan is right to paint a depressing picture of what is happening in the Highland Council area, but does she accept that, in the Western Isles, the picture is extremely positive, because tenants there refused to give way to nationalist/Trotskyite activists?

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

22 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Homes (Grants Schemes)

As the minister knows, the crofting building grant scheme is subject to review. Will she agree that any assessment or review of the CBGS should also consider assisting crofters with the installation of microrenewable heating systems? Given her own exemplary record in Parliamen...

1. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

22 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Homes (Grants Schemes)

To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes have been built in the Western Isles under the croft house grants scheme since its introduction, and how this compares with the number built under the crofters building grants and loans scheme. (S2O-12151)

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

15 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Group Funding (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)

I thank the minister for quickly reconstituting the COSLA, Audit Scotland and CIPFA group to consider the views that were raised with him by me and the vice-convener of the comhairle, Angus Campbell. Does he agree that the new arrangements should be put in place as soon as pos...

2. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

15 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Group Funding (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)

To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to any problems raised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in respect of funding for community groups. (S2O-12057)

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

15 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Affordable Housing (Highlands)

Does the minister agree that it is singularly depressing that Highland Council tenants are having to endure an increase in rents and a freeze on repairs and infrastructure development while, across the Minch in my constituency, tenants are now part of a community body, the Heb...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

14 Feb 2007

Cairngorms National Park Boundary Bill: Stage 1

I have a brief observation on legislation. I am sure that Mr Swinney would accept that, although in all sincerity he and those advising him believe that there would be no need for further primary legislation, that does not mean that there would not be such a need.

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

14 Feb 2007

Cairngorms National Park Boundary Bill: Stage 1

Mr Swinney reminded us, not unreasonably, that we are here to consider the general principles of his bill. He was present when the minister—again, not unreasonably—along with her officials outlined the legislative consequences of his bill. She said that there would be a requir...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

14 Feb 2007

Cairngorms National Park Boundary Bill: Stage 1

There are two issues that I would like to pursue. First, in your opening statement, you talked about the significant financial implications of the bill. Would you expand on that? Secondly, when the boundaries of any national park—either at sea or on land—are drawn, there are w...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

01 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Air Discount Scheme

As the minister's answer proves, the air discount scheme has been remarkably successful and has benefited many islanders and island businesses. Now that the Scottish Executive has established the principle of, and implemented in practice, a discount scheme that discriminates i...

7. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

01 Feb 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Air Discount Scheme

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the air discount scheme. (S2O-11879)

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

31 Jan 2007

New Petitions

Given the gentlemen's responsibilities in various parishes across the country, would it be appropriate to ask them about their professional experience and how they interact with parishioners?

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

31 Jan 2007

New Petitions

I thank the convener and his clerking team for their assistance. I distributed the petition throughout my constituency in a few weeks, during which some 2,500 people supported it. All members have a copy of the petition, which simply says that"we have a moral obligation to pre...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

25 Jan 2007

First Minister's Question Time · Broadband

I am pleased to hear from the First Minister that we have established broadband coverage to more than 99 per cent of the population. It will come as no surprise to him to hear that I wish him and his agencies to continue to press for 100 per cent coverage. Will the First Minis...

6. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

25 Jan 2007

First Minister's Question Time · Broadband

To ask the First Minister how the introduction of broadband is progressing across Scotland. (S2F-2672)

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

25 Jan 2007

Crofting Reform etc Bill

A week last Friday, I attended the celebrations in the community of Ness when Galson estate, which covers some 54,000 acres and includes some 20 townships, moved from private hands to community ownership. That truly was a great day—the culmination of many hours and days of har...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

I have two brief questions, the first of which relates to competence and the meaningful devolution of powers. Where do the inshore fisheries groups that are being established fit into the Executive's thinking? The issue, again, involves timescales. If I recall correctly, our c...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Subordinate Legislation

I am perfectly happy to pass the order today, on the clear understanding that ministers will respond to legitimate questions, as they always do.

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Subordinate Legislation

Although it is not my job to respond to Ted Brocklebank, I refer him to the first line of paragraph 3 of the regulatory impact assessment, which says:"This would remove the possibility of increased use of multiple trawls by Scottish vessels and other UK vessels fishing in Scot...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

I thank the minister for that detailed explanation. As I am sure she will fondly recall, underuse of sites was raised time after time at stage 1. I would appreciate it if the minister could give us guidance on the procedures that are involved in notifying the competition autho...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

The minister has addressed all the points adequately, so there is no need for me to wind up.

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

24 Jan 2007

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Amendment 1 makes provision for appeal against enforcement notices. Members will recall that the issue exercised many witnesses during our evidence-taking sessions. The committee is well aware of the nature of the amendment. I am sure that all members will be sympathetic to it...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Subordinate Legislation

Following up Richard Lochhead's question about the recreational use of forests, am I right in thinking that, as well as the recreational imperative, there is a straightforward economic benefit to be gained from the recreational use of forests, such as happens at Abriachan, and...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

In pounds and pence, that amounts to roughly—

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

That is encouraging. Will you remind us what percentage of your income is spent on research and development and reinvested in communities?

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

So, in the context of the bill, you are beyond reform. As an entity, you are fit for purpose. I think you said that you have moved on significantly since 1961. Is that it?

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

In what way?

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

To follow up Ted Brocklebank's question, do you believe that the Crown Estate Commission as constituted and in how it undertakes its responsibilities is fit for purpose?

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

17 Jan 2007

Convener

I happily nominate Maureen Macmillan for the position of convener of the committee and I reinforce what the deputy convener said in relation to our former convener, Sarah Boyack, with whom we look forward to enjoying constructive relations over the next 11 weeks.

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

11 Jan 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Hospitals (Western Isles)

Does the minister agree that such a staggering level of ignorance demonstrated by a legislator does not inspire confidence, and does he agree that it is a relief that Mr Gibson has nothing to do with the delivery of health services in the Western Isles?

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

11 Jan 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Hospitals (Western Isles)

Yes, Presiding Officer. Mr Gibson betrayed his ignorance when he asked a parliamentary question before the Christmas break about a hospital that had not even been built. He looked for data for the years between 1998—

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

11 Jan 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Hospitals (Western Isles)

I thank the minister for that response, and I also formally put on record my thanks to him for his decisive action in his intervention last summer, which ensured that the management of Western Isles NHS Board was placed firmly back on track.Does he agree that people in every p...

1. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

11 Jan 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Community Hospitals (Western Isles)

To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the strategy to enhance community hospitals will have on health care in the Western Isles. (S2O-11636)

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

11 Jan 2007

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Highlands (Young People)

It is highly appropriate that the minister who moved Scottish Natural Heritage's headquarters closer to the heritage that it is paid to monitor and protect is answering the question. Does he agree that the decision that Highlands and Islands Enterprise took five years ago to m...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Committee

09 Jan 2007

Marine Environment Inquiry

I am the Labour MSP for the Western Isles.

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

21 Dec 2006

First Minister's Question Time · Cabinet (Meetings)

Will the Deputy First Minister agree that securing an increase of 10 per cent in the west-coast prawn quota is to be warmly welcomed? That is over and above the 38 per cent that was secured at last year's summit. Does he agree that when ministers go to argue for an increased q...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

21 Dec 2006

Post Offices

I welcomed Alistair Darling's statement last week in the House of Commons—the primary forum for a debate of this nature—in which he set out a clear strategy for the preservation of our national post office network.We all appreciate that the network must change and adapt if it ...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

20 Dec 2006

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I do not have enough time. It is amazing that when one mentions dreary, Mr Lochhead gets on his feet.The Prime Minister is and was interested in fish farming. Securing the minimum import price was a triumph for British diplomacy. I suspect that the minister will not be able to...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

20 Dec 2006

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this stage 1 debate on the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill. During their contributions, Sarah Boyack, Maureen Macmillan and others outlined the joint working between stakeholders, the industry and the Executive. Maureen Macmi...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

14 Dec 2006

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE · Central Heating Programme

I again put on record my constituents' appreciation of the central heating programme, a scheme that has transformed the lives and living conditions of senior citizens in my constituency and right across Scotland.Will the minister give us an update on the transition of managing...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

Will the member give way?

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

The member mentions areas that are heavily dependent on fishing. Will he explain to someone who is not familiar with the area that he describes whether the communities there would be better or worse off if they had followed the nonsense that the Scottish nationalists advocate?

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

—the then Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development, Allan Wilson, made a proposal to protect Western Isles fishermen from the predatory fishing practices of boats from the east coast of Scotland. Will he stand up and explain to the Parliament why he and his party ...

Mr Morrison: Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

A fallacy that is being advanced by both the Tories and the Scottish nationalists is that only Scotland had to reduce fishing effort. I pose the same question that I posed to the nationalists: where would we be had we maintained fishing levels and effort levels at 1,100 boats?...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

Before I raise issues that are exercising fishermen and processors in the Western Isles, I ask Mr Finnie to reflect on the years during which he has been representing Scottish fishermen in Brussels. This month's negotiations will be Mr Finnie's eighth appearance in Brussels. I...

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab) rose— Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Fisheries

Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab): Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2006

Local Government Finance Settlement

On behalf of my constituents, I warmly welcome the content of the minister's statement. The Scottish National Party has stated that it would cap local income tax at 3 per cent, but the nationalists do not even know the earning levels of council constituents; nor do they know w...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

06 Dec 2006

European Issues

Is there any way of assessing the increase in the activity of adding value to product that is landed? Is that activity happening closer to the ports where the product is being landed? I know that, early in the summer, the minister and the commissioner saw some first-class faci...

Mr Morrison: Lab Committee

06 Dec 2006

European Issues

I have a question on a point that the minister made.