Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2007
22 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
First Minister's Question Time
Poverty
Everyone wants to tackle poverty and eradicate low wages. Is the First Minister aware of the "Voices of people experiencing poverty in Scotland: Everyone matters?" report, which has been published this week, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and supported by 20 Scottish charities? There are a number of statistics in that report that relate to real people—they are not just figures, as the First Minister obviously accepts. Two of the most frightening statistics are that 900,000 people in Scotland—18 per cent of the population—live on a low income and that 0.25 million children in Scotland live in poverty, even though someone in their family is working. If the First Minister is re-elected, what new policies will his Executive introduce to eradicate poverty among the working poor?
In the same item of business
3. Campbell Martin (West of Scotland) (Ind):
Ind
To ask the First Minister whether tackling poverty among the working poor is a Scottish Executive priority. (S2F-2797)
The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
We are committed to tackling poverty and disadvantage in Scotland, including among the working poor, and we are working with the UK Government to do so. Our ...
Campbell Martin:
Ind
Everyone wants to tackle poverty and eradicate low wages. Is the First Minister aware of the "Voices of people experiencing poverty in Scotland: Everyone mat...
The First Minister:
Lab
I am aware of the report and of the important issues it raises. One of the most important ways for us to tackle the issue is to work in partnership with the ...
Campbell Martin:
Ind
Does the First Minister accept that the main cause of poverty among the working poor is low wages and that we need to raise them to eradicate such poverty? I...
Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab):
Lab
What a shock: the council is trying to bring jobs to Ayrshire.
Campbell Martin:
Ind
I am coming to Frank McAveety. Under the heading, "Wage Levels", the policy says:"Average Gross Hourly pay in North Ayrshire is £8.75 compared to £10.17 in S...
The First Minister:
Lab
I accept that Campbell Martin is committed to tackling poverty and I answered his first question positively for that reason, but I do not accept his attempt ...