Chamber
Plenary, 06 Jun 2007
06 Jun 2007 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Moving Water (Rescue Arrangements)
I understand entirely the point that Roseanna Cunningham makes. In mountain rescue, although the legal duty rests with the police, many rescues are carried out by civilian mountain rescue teams—which are accountable through the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland—and the Royal Air Force. The police have the statutory duty and are ultimately in control, but Roseanna Cunningham is absolutely right to state that, in practice, it is often firefighters who are asked to attend incidents involving moving water.
I should say that the Executive has received no request from chief officers in respect of funding for training and that variation in provision is largely down to the varying geography of Scotland. It would be strange if it were not thus.
More consideration needs to be given to the issue and I say to Roseanna Cunningham that that will be done, so I would be grateful if she would share with me the correspondence to which she referred. I undertake that my officials will give it proper and full consideration, given that lives are at risk.
Stefan Tymkewycz set out clearly the dilemma that faces everyone in such situations—firefighters, in particular—which is whether to attempt a rescue by entering moving water in a river. That is a very real human dilemma. In conclusion, I underscore the fact that the primary responsibility of every mountain rescue team member, every policeman and every firefighter is to have proper regard for their own safety. I know that all the members of those services take that obligation very seriously.
I should say that the Executive has received no request from chief officers in respect of funding for training and that variation in provision is largely down to the varying geography of Scotland. It would be strange if it were not thus.
More consideration needs to be given to the issue and I say to Roseanna Cunningham that that will be done, so I would be grateful if she would share with me the correspondence to which she referred. I undertake that my officials will give it proper and full consideration, given that lives are at risk.
Stefan Tymkewycz set out clearly the dilemma that faces everyone in such situations—firefighters, in particular—which is whether to attempt a rescue by entering moving water in a river. That is a very real human dilemma. In conclusion, I underscore the fact that the primary responsibility of every mountain rescue team member, every policeman and every firefighter is to have proper regard for their own safety. I know that all the members of those services take that obligation very seriously.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan):
SNP
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S3M-81, in the name of Roseanna Cunningham, on rescue from moving water. The debate will b...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes with concern the rising number of incidents involving persons trapped in moving water, including incidents in the River Tay at Pert...
Roseanna Cunningham (Perth) (SNP):
SNP
Perhaps rescue from broken podiums might be more appropriate.I make it clear from the outset that the phrase "persons trapped in moving water" is the termino...
Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Roseanna Cunningham on securing the debate and commend her diligence in seeking answers to the questions that, as yet, remain unanswered. I ex...
Stefan Tymkewycz (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
I commend Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service for being one of the few rescue services that has specifically trained personnel for specialised water ...
Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
It is unfortunate, to say the least, that not one member of the Labour Party and not one Liberal Democrat is attending the debate.
Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD) rose—
LD
Christine Grahame:
SNP
I apologise to the member and beg his pardon. I should have said only that not one member of the Labour Party is attending the debate. I hope that there will...
Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Roseanna Cunningham on securing the debate, not only because this is the first members' debate in the new session, but because the issue is im...
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Roseanna Cunningham on bringing this important matter to the chamber. I speak as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, which contains many fas...
The Minister for Community Safety (Fergus Ewing):
SNP
I thank all those who have stayed to contribute to and listen to this evening's debate. In particular, I thank Roseanna Cunningham for initiating the first m...
Roseanna Cunningham:
SNP
Does the minister accept that, notwithstanding the statutory position, the import of the many letters that I have received from various constabularies around...
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
I understand entirely the point that Roseanna Cunningham makes. In mountain rescue, although the legal duty rests with the police, many rescues are carried o...
Meeting closed at 17:32.