Hansard

The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson): NPA

Good morning. The first item of business today is a debate on motion S3M-847, in the name of Kenny MacAskill, on competition, regulation and business structu...

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Kenny MacAskill): SNP

I appreciate that the level of excitement about today's debate is not quite on all fours with the anticipation for Saturday's 5 pm kick-off at Hampden Park, ...

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): Lab

The Law Society of Scotland has suggested that, in its assumptions about the Scottish legal system, the Consumers Association made a number of errors, which ...

Kenny MacAskill: SNP

We have been in regular contact with the OFT. We have always been at pains to point out that we accept the need for consumers' rights to be preserved and pro...

Paul Martin (Glasgow Springburn) (Lab): Lab

I note that at your request, Presiding Officer, the minister extended his speech. I hope that you do not receive a fee note for that, given that he previousl...

Kenny MacAskill: SNP

I intervene at Mr Martin's request. We accept that although the Law Society and the Faculty of Advocates each perform a pivotal role for their professions, t...

Paul Martin: Lab

I welcome that commitment from the cabinet secretary and agree with that way forward.A number of key issues are worth raising today, some of which were menti...

The Presiding Officer: NPA

I call Bill Aitken. Mr Aitken, as you have picked up, you basically have as long as you like.

Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con): Con

Gee, thanks.The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and I have exchanged some harsh words this week, but he will no doubt be relieved to learn that that is highly ...

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): Lab

Okay, so the legal profession contributes £1.2 billion to the Scottish economy, but is Bill Aitken saying that legal fees should go up instead of some way be...

Bill Aitken: Con

No. Mr Whitton will be relieved to learn that I am saying that we should expand the market and bring in more business. As a good public relations man, he sho...

The Presiding Officer: NPA

I now call Mike Pringle, to whom the instructions that I gave Mr Aitken also apply.

Mike Pringle (Edinburgh South) (LD): LD

That is probably a first.Although this subject is important, the English 2007 act that covers these issues does not become effective until 2011, so we are di...

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): SNP

I congratulate the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on the motion and Pauline McNeill on her amendment. The Scottish Government is clearly attempting to develop...

Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): Lab

When we are debating legal structures, it is important that we focus on the people who require access to the legal system. Their needs must inform our decisi...

Kenny MacAskill: SNP

I am grateful for the points made about civil legal aid. The Government's position has always been that we are happy to provide facilities for civil legal ai...

Rhoda Grant: Lab

I understand the minister's point, but we have to consider the consumer—the person who needs the service. If they are saying that they are unable to access s...

Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): SNP

I am sure that many members in the chamber are as delighted as I am at being dragooned into being here this morning.Scotland has a unique situation regarding...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman): Lab

Excuse me, Mr McMillan.I do not know how many times I have to say this to members, but phones have to be switched off. Off.

Stuart McMillan: SNP

Of course, funding problems are not solely related to community law centres. The Scottish Legal Aid Board's legal funds have been significantly drained thank...

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): Lab

I speak to the amendment in the name of my colleague Pauline McNeill, with particular emphasis on widening choice and on easier access to more affordable leg...

Kenny MacAskill: SNP

No, they have not. What the member says seems rather to contradict Mr Martin's points. Is Mr Whitton telling the chamber that he supports Tesco law?

David Whitton: Lab

I support the move to make the law more affordable and more accessible to ordinary people in the street. One of the reasons why people want to introduce what...

Aileen Campbell (South of Scotland) (SNP): SNP

Like previous speakers, I welcome the debate. It gives the Scottish Government the opportunity to respond to the super-complaint from the consumer group Whic...

Nigel Don (North East Scotland) (SNP): SNP

In the context of an extensive debate, I will address one specific issue that has not been mentioned much—advocates. The argument is made that it is uneconom...

Christopher Harvie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (SNP): SNP

Presiding Officer, I crave your indulgence for my late arrival in the chamber.We are sentimental about the law because the law and the office of Lord Advocat...

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): LD

Again, we have had an interesting debate. It has been interesting listening to colleagues trying to fill not only their time, but that of other members. I en...

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): Con

I declare an interest as a member of the Law Society of England and Wales. I was a practising solicitor with Brodies until June 2007.Like many others who hav...

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): Lab

I declare an interest in that my husband is a practising advocate. However, competition, regulation and alternative business structures are not often the sub...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan): SNP

Order. The member may wish to draw her remarks to a conclusion, to allow the minister adequate time to respond.