BUSINESS BULLETIN No. 37/2014 Monday 3 March 2014

(1)

1

BUSINESS BULLETIN No. 37/2014

Monday 3 March 2014

(2)

2 Contents

The sections which appear in today‘s Business Bulletin are in bold Section A: Today‘s Business

- Meetings of Committees - Meeting of the Parliament Section B: Future Meetings of the Parliament Section C: Future Meetings of Committees Section D: Oral Questions

- Questions selected for First Minister‘s Questions

- Questions selected for response by Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers at Question Time

Section E: Written Questions – new questions for written answer Section F: Motions and Amendments

Section G: Bills

- New Bills introduced - New amendments to Bills - Members‘ Bills proposals

Section H: New Documents – new documents laid before the Parliament and committee reports published

Section I: Petitions – new public petitions

Section J: Progress of Legislation – progress of Bills and subordinate legislation

(3)

3

Business Bulletin: Monday 3 March 2014

Section B – Future Meetings of the Parliament

Business Programme agreed by the Parliament on 26 February

Tuesday 4 March 2014

2.00 pm Time for Reflection – Mary McDevitt, Leader, Edinburgh Signing Choir

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected)

followed by Scottish Government Debate: Responding to Welfare Reform followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Deep Sea Mining Bill – UK

Legislation followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time

followed by Members‘ Business – S4M-08835 Claudia Beamish: Thirsting for Justice (for text of motion see Section F)

Wednesday 5 March 2014

2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions

Rural Affairs and the Environment;

Justice and the Law Officers (for text of questions see Section D

of the Business Bulletin for Thursday 27 February 2014)

followed by Scottish Government Debate: Update on Delivering the 2020 Vision in NHS Scotland

followed by Business Motions

(4)

4

followed by Members‘ Business – S4M-08894 Linda Fabiani: Marie Curie‘s 2014 Great Daffodil Appeal (for text of motion see Section F) Thursday 6 March 2014

11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions

11.40 am General Questions (for text of questions see Section D of the Business Bulletin for Thursday 27 February 2014)

12.00 pm First Minister‘s Questions

12.30 pm Members‘ Business – S4M-09000 George Adam: Scotland‘s First Year as a Fair Trade Nation (for text of motion see Section F)

2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions

2.30 pm Scottish Government Debate: Maximising the Opportunities for Scotland from District Heating and Decarbonising the Heat System

followed by Business Motions

Tuesday 11 March 2014

2.00 pm Time for Reflection

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected)

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Tribunals (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions

followed by Members‘ Business Wednesday 12 March 2014

(5)

5 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions

Health and Wellbeing

followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions

followed by Members‘ Business Thursday 13 March 2014

11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions

12.00 pm First Minister‘s Questions 12.30 pm Members‘ Business

2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions

(6)

(7)

7

Business Bulletin: Monday 3 March 2014

Section C – Future Committee Meetings

This section includes the agendas of the forthcoming committee meetings and outlines proposed future business, which may be subject to change. Committees have the right to take items in private and this will be notified as far in advance as possible.

Many committees include details of their future business on their webpages, which can be accessed at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/index.htm

Health and Sport Committee 4 March 2014

7th Meeting, 2014

The Committee will meet at 9.45 am in Committee Room 2

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 5 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will consider the following negative instruments—

Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/12)

Self-directed Support (Direct Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/25)

National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/39)

3. Transitions between Paediatric and Adult Services: The Committee will take evidence, in round-table format, from—

Dagmar Kerr, Action for Sick Children Scotland Area, Action for Sick Children Scotland;

Yvonne Hughes, Public Affairs Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Trust; Jane-Claire Judson, National Director, Diabetes UK Scotland; Sheena Dunsmore, Manager, Kidney Kids Scotland;

Colin Young, Senior Policy and Outcomes Officer, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE);

Jean Davies, Strategic Paediatric Educationalists and Nurses in Scotland, RCN Scotland;

Dr Ishaq Abu-Arafeh, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health;

Dr Stan Wright, Fellow, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Lead Cancer Clinician, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh;

(8)

8

Scott Read, Development Worker, ARC Scotland – Scottish Transitions Forum;

Dawn Crosby, Head of Service Strategy and Policy, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Teenage Cancer Trust;

Margaret Kelman, Allergy Advisor, Children and Young Peoples Allergy Network Scotland.

4. Public petitions: PE1384, PE1466 and PE1499 The Committee will consider petitions on speech and language therapy services, the implementation and regulation of local authority charges for non-residential services and suitable respite facilities to support younger (aged between 21 and 45) disabled adults with life shortening conditions.

5. Access to new medicines: The Committee will consider the evidence heard at its meeting on 25 February 2014.

Proposed future business

At its next meeting, on 11 March, the Committee expects to consider oral evidence on the Rapid Review Team Report on mortality rates at NHS Lanarkshire and its approach to the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill.

For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin.

Education and Culture Committee 4 March 2014

1. Declaration of interests: Mary Scanlon will be invited to declare any relevant interests.

2. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 4 and 5 in private at this and future meetings.

3. My World of Work: The Committee will take evidence from—

James Corry, UNISON SDS Chairperson of Non Departmental Public Bodies Group, and Kate Lynch, UNISON SDS Branch Chair, UNISON Scotland;

Dr Cathy Howieson, Senior Research Fellow, and Sheila Semple, Associate, Centre for Educational Sociology, University of Edinburgh; Danny Logue, Director of Operations, and Rob Doyle, Head of Partner Development and Integration, Skills Development Scotland.

4. Scotland’s Educational and Cultural Future: The Committee will consider its approach to the inquiry.

5. Forthcoming legislation: The Committee will consider its approach to forthcoming legislation on the proposed establishment of Historic Environment Scotland.

(9)

9

At its next meeting, on 11 March, the Committee will take oral evidence from BBC Scotland in relation to its preparation for coverage of the Independence Referendum and Commonwealth Games later this year. The Committee will also take oral evidence from a number of organisations on the topic of cyber-bullying.

Justice Committee 4 March 2014 7th Meeting, 2014

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 5 in private.

2. EU engagement: The Committee will take evidence on the UK Government‘s 2014 EU opt-out decision from-—

Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Neil Rennick, Deputy Director, Law Reform Division, Danny Jamieson, Policy Manager, Criminal Law and Licensing Division, and Alicia McKay, Legal Services, Scottish Government.

3. Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012: The Committee will take evidence on the operation of the Act from—

Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Tom McMahon, Head of Community Safety Unit, and Gery McLaughlin, Head of Community Safety Law, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will consider the following negative instrument—

Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Amendment Rules 2014 (SSI 2014/26).

5. Work programme: The Committee will consider its work programme. Proposed future business

At its next meeting, on 11 March, the Committee expects to take evidence on fire and rescue service reform.

(10)

10

Public Petitions Committee 4 March 2014

The Committee will meet at 10.00 am in Committee Room 3 1. Consideration of a new petition: The Committee will consider—

PE1507 by Alex Orr and Sophie Pilgrim, on behalf of the Scottish Children‘s Services Coalition and Kindred, on funding for additional support for learning in Scotland.

2. Consideration of current petitions: The Committee will consider—

PE1098 by Lynn Merrifield, on behalf of Kingseat Community Council and PE1223 by Ron Beaty on school bus safety;

PE1351 by Chris Daly and Helen Holland on time for all to be heard;

PE1458 by Peter Cherbi on a register of interests for members of Scotland‘s judiciary;

PE1477 by Jamie Rae, on behalf of the Throat Cancer Foundation, on a gender neutral Human Papillomavirus vaccination;

PE1492 by Alan Kennedy on co-location of GP practices and community pharmacies;

PE1494 by W. Hunter Watson on mental health legislation.

3. Committee working practices: The Committee will consider a note by the clerk.

At its next meeting, on 18 March, the Committee expects to consider petitions on awareness of Strep B in pregnancy and infants, ATOS as a sponsor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, whistleblowing in local government, religious representatives on local authority education committees, public inquiries into self-inflicted and accidental deaths following suspicious death investigations and saving Ecurie Ecosse cars.

Welfare Reform Committee 4 March 2014

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 4 in private.

2. Food banks: The Committee will take evidence, in round-table format, from— Marie Hayes, Operations Director (West Scotland), British Red Cross; Carol-Anne Alcorn, Interim CEO, Edinburgh Cyrerians, FareShare Edinburgh;

(11)

11

Dave Simmers, Chief Executive, Community Food Initiatives North East; Denis Curran, Chairman, Loaves & Fishes;

Jo Roberts, Development Lead, Community Food Moray; Ewan Gurr, Scotland Development Officer, The Trussell Trust; and then from—

Dr Filip Sosenko, Research Associate, and Dr Nicola Livingstone, Teaching Fellow & Research Associate, Heriot-Watt University.

3. Fact-finding visit: The Committee will report back from a fact-finding visit to DeafBlind Scotland.

4. Food banks: The Committee will consider evidence it received on food banks at its round-table discussion.

At its next meeting, on 4 March, the Committee expects to take oral evidence from local authorities and the Minister for Housing and Welfare on the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments.

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee 4 March 2014

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 5 and 6 in private.

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure: The Committee will consider the following—

Local Government Finance (Scotland) Amendment Order 2014 [draft]; Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 (Consequential and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 [draft].

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure: The Committee will consider the following—

Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/35);

Non-Domestic Rating (Unoccupied Property) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/31);

Council Tax (Discounts) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2014 (SSI 2014/37);

National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/38);

Home Energy Assistance Scheme (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/40);

(12)

12

Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2014 (SSI 2014/41 (C.4);

HIV Testing Kits and Services Revocation (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/42).

4. Tribunals (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider the delegated powers provisions in this Bill after Stage 2.

5. Report on instruments considered during the third quarter of the parliamentary year 2013-14: The Committee will consider a draft of its third quarterly report for the parliamentary year 2013-14.

6. Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 Remedial Order 2014 [draft]: The Committee will consider its approach to the draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 Remedial Order 2014.

At its next meeting, on 11 March, the Committee expects to consider subordinate legislation.

Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee 5 March 2014

1. Declaration of interests: Richard Baker will be invited to declare any relevant interests.

2. Scotland’s Economic Future Post 2014: The Committee will take evidence from—

Paul Johnson, Director, Institute of Fiscal Studies;

Professor Jo Armstrong, Independent Economist and Researcher, Centre for Public Policy for Regions, University of Glasgow;

Dr. Angus Armstrong, National Institute of Economic and Social Research and Fellow of the ESRC Future of the UK and Scotland programme;

and then from—

Crawford Beveridge, Chair, and Professor Andrew Hughes Hallett, Member, Fiscal Commission Working Group;

and then from—

Professor David Bell, University of Stirling and Fellow of the ESRC Future of the UK and Scotland programme;

Professor David Simpson, Economist and Author;

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the ESRC Future of the UK and Scotland Programme.

(13)

13

3. Scotland’s Economic Future Post-2014: Review of evidence heard The Committee will review the evidence heard at today‘s meeting.

At its next meeting, on 12 March, the Committee expects to take evidence on its inquiry on Scotland‘s Economic Future Post-2014 and to consider its draft report on the Draft Third National Planning Framework.

Local Government and Regeneration Committee 5 March 2014

1. Draft Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill from—

Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning, Alasdair McKinlay, Head of Community Planning and Community Empowerment Unit, and Jean Waddie, Bill Manager, Community Planning and Empowerment, Scottish Government.

2. Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) and Accounts Commission for Scotland (AC) work programme brief: The Committee will discuss with the AGS and AC their future work programme—

Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland, Audit Scotland; Douglas Sinclair, Chair, Accounts Commission for Scotland;

Fraser McKinlay, Director of Performance Audit and Best Value, Audit Scotland.

3. Draft Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will take evidence from—

Jonathan Findlay, Councillor, Glasgow City Council;

Anna Whelan, Policy Co-ordinator, Orkney Islands Council;

Ritchie Johnson, Director of Housing and Social Work, Aberdeenshire Council;

Pamela Roccio, Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Edinburgh Partnership;

Pauline Nicholas, Senior Local Regeneration Manager, North Lanarkshire Council.

4. Draft Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill (in private): The Committee will consider the evidence received.

5. Draft Third National Planning Framework (NPF3) and Review of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report on the Draft Third National Planning Framework (NPF3) and Review of the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

(14)

14 Proposed future business

At its next meeting, on 12 March, the Committee expects to consider the Draft Community Empowerment (Scotland) bill; oral evidence from SCDC, DTAS, SCVO, SURF, Big Lottery Fund, HIE, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Police Scotland; a draft report on the Defective and Dangerous Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Bill; and subordinate legislation.

Finance Committee 5 March 2014 7th Meeting, 2014

1. Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Elspeth Orcharton, Director, Corporate and International Taxation , and Charlotte Barbour , ‎Head of Taxation, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;

John Whiting, Tax Policy Director, Chartered Institute of Taxation. 2. UK Budget: The Committee will take evidence from—

Paul Johnson, Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies. Proposed future business

At its next meeting, on 12 March 2014, the Committee expects to continue to take evidence on its Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Bill.

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee 5 March 2014

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 4, consideration of a draft report on NPF3 and future consideration of further draft reports on NPF3, in private.

2. Housing (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Councillor Harry McGuigan, Spokeperson for Community Wellbeing and Safety, Silke Isbrand, Policy Manager, Community Resourcing Team, Housing, David Brewster, Senior Environmental Health Officer, and Anil Gupta, Chief Officer, Community Wellbeing, COSLA;

(15)

15

Jim Hayton, South Lanarkshire Council, and Tony Cain, Head of Housing and Customer Service, Stirling Council, ALACHO.

3. Queensferry Crossing - Project team update: The Committee will take evidence from—

David Climie, Project Director, and Lawrence Shackman, Project Manager, Forth Replacement Crossing Team, Transport Scotland.

4. Draft Third National Planning Framework: The Committee will consider a draft report.

At its next meeting, on 12 Mar, the Committee expects to take oral evidence on the Housing (Scotland) Bill and update on Queensferry Crossing. the Committee will also consider a report on Draft Third National Planning Framework.

Public Audit Committee 5 March 2014 4th Meeting, 2014

1. Section 23 reports - NHS Financial Performance 2012/13; and Management of patients on NHS waiting lists - audit update (in private): The Committee will consider the evidence received at its meeting on 19 February 2014 and take evidence from—

Angela Canning, Assistant Director, Tricia Meldrum, Senior Manager, and Jillian Matthew, Project Manager, Audit Scotland.

2. Scotland Act 2012 (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report on a framework for auditing the Scottish Rate of Income Tax.

3. Section 23 report - Scotland’s colleges 2013 (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report on the Auditor General for Scotland‘s report entitled "Scotland‘s Colleges 2013."

At its next meeting it is expected that the Committee will take evidence on reports recently published by the Auditor General for Scotland.

(16)

16

Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee 5 March 2014

1. The Scottish Government’s implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy and Scotland Rural Development Programme 2014-20: The Committee will take evidence from—

Andrew Midgley, Head of Policy, Scottish Land and Estates Ltd; Peter Cook, independent adviser;

Professor Bill Slee, Researcher, Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences, The James Hutton Institute;

Davy McCracken, Professor in Upland Land Use Systems and Head of Hill and Mountain Research Centre, Scotland‘s Rural College;

Pete Ritchie, Executive Director, Nourish Scotland;

James Graham, Chief Executive, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Limited;

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive, Confor; Vicki Swales, Scottish Environment Link;

Andy Tharme, Project Manager, Scottish Borders Land Use Strategy pilot, Scottish Borders Council.

2. Draft Third National Planning Framework (NPF3) (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report.

European and External Relations Committee 6 March 2014

1. Brussels Bulletin: The Committee will consider the latest issue of the Brussels Bulletin.

2. Greek Ambassador to the UK: The Committee will take evidence from— HE Mr Konstantinos Bikas, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United Kingdom.

At its next meeting, on 20 March, the Committee will continue to take evidence on its inquiry on the Scottish Government‘s proposals for an independent Scotland: membership of the European Union.

(17)

17

(18)

(19)

19

Business Bulletin: Monday 3 March 2014

Section E – Written questions lodged on 28 February 2014

Questions marked with a triangle (Δ) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.

Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an "R".

S4W-19970 Mary Scanlon: To ask the Scottish Government how many mental health officers are employed‎in‎each‎local‎authority‎and‎what‎each‎officer‘s‎average‎ caseload is.

S4W-19971 David Stewart: To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce high risk screening for type 2 diabetes.

S4W-19972 Tavish Scott: To ask the Scottish Government how much each regional college chair has been paid in (a) fees and (b) expenses.

S4W-19973 Tavish Scott: To ask the Scottish Government what action it took to ensure that it followed each of the seven principles set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life when appointing the regional college chairs.

S4W-19974 Tavish Scott: To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to the regional college chairs on their participation in public political debate. S4W-19975 Liam McArthur: To ask the Scottish Government when the Council of Economic‎Advisers‘‎report‎on‎the‎provision‎of‎childcare‎will‎be‎published.

S4W-19976 Lewis Macdonald: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-19659 by Roseanna Cunningham on 27 February 2014, what discussions the Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs had with members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Board (SFRS) regarding the decision not to hold a public consultation on the closure of fire control rooms following the programme of engagement carried out by the SFRS Board on this issue.

(20)

(21)

21

Business Bulletin: Monday 3 March 2014

Section F – Motions and Amendments

Motions and amendments are normally printed the day after they are lodged. If an amendment is lodged to a motion then the original motion will appear alongside the amendment, along with any support lodged that day, in this section.

Each Monday, this section also contains all motions and amendments lodged the previous week that are still live and any motions and amendments that have been lodged for debate in the coming week. A motion or amendment is live if it has not been debated, withdrawn or otherwise deleted from the list.

Where a motion or amendment has been withdrawn, it is indicated in this section the day after it has been withdrawn. Support for motions and amendments received after they are lodged is shown at the end of this section the day after such support is received.

Motions and amendments can be published with various symbols:

 Asterisks before the motion or amendment number indicate a motion or amendment published for the first time;

 Asterisks also identify alterations to the text of a motion or amendment made since it was first published;

 A hash symbol identifies motions eligible for debate at Members’ Business;  A diamond symbol identifies motions lodged for Members’ Business that

have not yet attracted the required cross-party support;

 An "R", identifies motions or amendments in which the Member who lodged it has a registrable interest.

The Parliamentary Bureau periodically deletes motions or amendments not scheduled for debate and which are over six weeks old.

A search facility is also available on the Scottish Parliament web site at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Any questions in relation to this section should be directed to the Chamber Desk, for which contact details are provided at the end of the Bulletin.

(22)

22

New and altered motions and amendments

*S4M-09203 Jackie Baillie: Access to Office for Disabled People—That the Parliament notes a recent debate in the House of Commons, led by Dame Anne Begg MP, which called on both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to increase support for disabled people to access elected office; understands that The Independent Living In Scotland Report, Politically (in)correct– representation of disabled people in Politics, called on the Scottish Government to establish an "Access to Office for Disabled People Fund"; notes with regret, however, that such a fund has so far not been established; understands that one in five people in Scotland are disabled; believes that the Scottish Government needs to be more proactive in giving disabled people a voice and ensuring that financial support is in place to assist disabled people in becoming members of representative bodies, and hopes for rapid progress to be made on what it considers this very important issue.

*S4M-09202 Graeme Dey: Angus Brewery Toasts Success—That the Parliament congratulates the Kellas-based brewery, MòR Brewing, which has been named New Brewery of the Year in a UK-wide competition; understands that MòR Brewing is the first-ever Scottish entrant to be nominated for the prestigious title, which was hosted by the Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham; further understands that, following a customer vote, the Angus brewer, which has been operating since 2011, was deemed to be the best out of a 12-strong field and was presented with the accolade at a special ceremony, and wishes the company and its staff future success.

Supported by: Nanette Milne*, Chic Brodie*, Mary Scanlon*, Kevin Stewart*, Stuart McMillan*, Richard Lyle*

*S4M-09201 Graeme Dey: Arbroath’s Citizen of the Year—That the Parliament congratulates Jillian Low on being named Arbroath‘s Citizen of the Year; understands that Jillian was presented with a rosebowl by the Arbroath Rotary Club and the Arbroath Herald to officially mark this; believes that the award is in recognition of her tireless work in the community, which includes her leading an ambitious project to bring a new skatepark to the town‘s West Links and organising zumbathons in 2012 and 2013 that have raised more than £11,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer; notes that Jillian has been chair of the skatepark project since it was formed four years ago, and notes her work toward raising the funds that have allowed the plan to recently go out to tender.

Supported by: Chic Brodie*, Stuart McMillan*, Nanette Milne*, Kenneth Gibson*, Richard Lyle*, Kevin Stewart*

*S4M-09200 Jackie Baillie: Raising a Glass to Loch Lomond Brewery on International Women’s Day—That the Parliament commends the Alexandria-based Loch Lomond Brewery on agreeing to participate in International Women‘s Collaborative Brew Day (IWCBD); understands that it is one of around 55 breweries around the world taking part in this initiative, which aims to raise the profile of female brewers in an industry that is often dominated by men; believes that the participating breweries plan to create a unique pale ale on 8 March 2014 to mark International Women‘s Day and that this will be made available as a cask ale in selected pubs

(23)

23

around the country and that all profits will be donated to good causes; notes the comments of Fiona MacEachern, one of the owners of Loch Lomond Brewery, that, before the process became industrialised, brewing was originally an activity that was carried out by women at home; hopes that IWCBD will encourage more women to consider brewing as a career, and wishes Fiona and her colleagues every success. Supported by: Stuart McMillan*, Hanzala Malik*, Patricia Ferguson*, Nigel Don*, Chic Brodie*, Bruce Crawford*, Neil Findlay*, Mike MacKenzie*, Mary Scanlon*

*S4M-09199 Jackie Baillie: Helensburgh Chippy Crowned Best in Scotland— That the Parliament congratulates the owners of the Wee Kelpie in Helensburgh, Nicola and Kerr Raeburn, on the shop‘s success at Choice Chip Awards 2014, which were organised by the Potato Council; understands that the shop can now boast the title of the Best Chippy Chips in Scotland; notes that Nicola and Kerr founded their small independent business in November 2011; believes that this award recognises their hard work together and that of their small team of staff, including the chef, Thomas Fossey, and counter assistant, John Graham; considers that the Wee Kelpie won the public vote due to its commitment to using seasonal produce and freshly cooking each portion of chips to order, and wishes the team every success in the future.

Supported by: Anne McTaggart*, James Kelly*, Paul Martin*, Hanzala Malik*, Nigel Don*, David Stewart*, Jamie McGrigor*, Richard Lyle*, Mike MacKenzie*

*S4M-09198 Maureen Watt: 14th Anniversary of Mother Language Day—That the Parliament acknowledges the 14th anniversary of Mother Language Day on 21 February 2014; understands that the day originated with UNESCO to preserve minority languages; recognises the day‘s inspiration from the Bengali Language Movement; considers that awareness is needed about the Chinese crackdown on the Tibetan dialect; welcomes the commemoration events held in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and celebrates the diverse multilingualism in modern Scotland.

Supported by: Angus MacDonald*, Stuart McMillan*, Chic Brodie*, Neil Findlay*, Rob Gibson*, Richard Lyle*, Kevin Stewart*, Christina McKelvie*

*S4M-09197# Roderick Campbell: Scotland’s Secret Bunker Reopening—That the Parliament notes the reopening of Scotland‘s Secret Bunker in time for its 20th anniversary celebrations, following a recent series of upgrades; understands that the bunker, which became operational almost 61 years ago, only opened as a tourist attraction in 1994 after been bought in 1993; believes the attraction to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in North East Fife and welcomes tens of thousands of tourists every year; understands that the latest upgrades will allow visitors to access never-before-seen areas; considers it fortunate that the use of the bunker now is for tourism and that its use as a nuclear shelter was never required; congratulates the owners on providing what it considers to be an excellent education resource, and hopes that it continues to thrive so as to allow future generations to learn about the Cold War.

(24)

24

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Angus MacDonald*, Kenneth Gibson*, Liz Smith*, Liam McArthur*, Nigel Don*, Chic Brodie*, Jackson Carlaw*, Rob Gibson*, Richard Lyle*, Mike MacKenzie*, Kevin Stewart*, Christina McKelvie*

S4M-09196 Christina McKelvie: Introducing the New Hands on Project in Hamilton, Blantyre, Uddingston and Bothwell—That the Parliament commends the Hands on Project (HOP) on the occasion of its launch in South Lanarkshire; understands that HOP is a part of the LEAP Charity Network, which supports vulnerable and isolated people over the age of 50 in their own homes by providing a befriending service and a handyperson service; notes that HOP operates in Blantyre, Bothwell, Uddingston and Hamilton, and commends HOP volunteers and members of staff for their efforts to serve vulnerable and isolated people in South Lanarkshire communities.

Supported by: Jim Hume, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Joan McAlpine*, Margaret Mitchell*, Angus MacDonald*, Dennis Robertson*, Rob Gibson*, Adam Ingram*, Richard Lyle*, Mike MacKenzie*, Fiona McLeod*, James Kelly*, Nigel Don*, Kevin Stewart*

S4M-09195 Richard Simpson: Congratulations to the University of Stirling’s Men’s Football Team—That the Parliament congratulates the University of Stirling‘s men‘s football team on the club‘s recent success in winning the British Universities and Colleges/Mars Premier League North; recognises that this is the second time in four years that the team has won what it sees as this tough competition and that it is the only men‘s university football team from Scotland competing in British league competition; believes that sport is an important vehicle in promoting healthier lifestyle choices, and wishes the team the best of luck in the future.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Nigel Don*

S4M-09194 Jim Eadie: University of Edinburgh Wins the British Karate Championship—That the Parliament congratulates the University of Edinburgh karate team on what it sees as its members‘ outstanding success at the 2014 British Universities and College Sports Championships; believes that the Edinburgh University Shotokan Karate Club and Edinburgh University Shukokai Karate Club teamed together to put in a fantastic performance at the championships, which were held recently in Sheffield; recognises that this is the fourth consecutive year that the University of Edinburgh has won the British championship; understands that this makes it one of the most successful university martial-arts teams in the UK, and wishes the karate team well in future competitions.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, John Lamont*, Angus MacDonald*, Joan McAlpine*, Dennis Robertson*, Roderick Campbell*, Jackie Baillie*, Richard Lyle*, Mike MacKenzie*, Stuart McMillan*, Nigel Don*, Anne McTaggart*, Chic Brodie*, Kevin Stewart*

S4M-09193 Jamie Hepburn: Cumbernauld & District MS Society 40th Anniversary—That the Parliament congratulates the Cumbernauld & District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland on its 40th anniversary; understands that the Cumbernauld & District branch has benefitted and continues to benefit the people

(25)

25

of Cumbernauld and the surrounding areas by providing a variety of services for people affected by multiple sclerosis, such as supportive listening, financial aid, providing information and organising events throughout the year such as karaoke and Christmas Night; considers that the staff, many of whom are affected by multiple sclerosis themselves, make great efforts to provide a wide range of individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, ranging from those newly diagnosed to partners and friends, with the support and aid that they require so as to ease their distress and, through this, contribute positively to the community; recognises the effort of the staff and congratulates them on this, and wishes them well during this year and at the various fundraising initiatives taking place in June, December and throughout the year.

Supported by: Richard Lyle, Colin Beattie, Aileen McLeod, Stuart McMillan, Chic Brodie, Joan McAlpine, Jackie Baillie, Stewart Stevenson, John Wilson, Mike MacKenzie, Jayne Baxter, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Christina McKelvie, Roderick Campbell, Gordon MacDonald*, Willie Coffey*, Angus MacDonald*, Neil Findlay*, Nigel Don*, Kevin Stewart*

S4M-09192 Mark McDonald: Local Primary Schools Hold Day Dedicated to Chinese Culture and Language—That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that five Donside schools have dedicated a day to Chinese language and culture; notes that Danestone, Forehill, Greenbrae, Middleton Park and Glashieburn primary schools each sent four pupils from P6 and P7 to the event; further notes that these pupils took part in activities such as lantern craft, dumpling making and Chinese vocabulary and met the special guest speaker, Professor Fajun Li from Sun Yat Sen University in China, a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge; is aware that this programme was organised by teachers from Aberdeen‘s Confucius Institute; considers that these teachers put a lot of effort into producing fun activities for the children, which also improved their Mandarin, and wishes them all the best with future plans to expand this event and hold it every year.

Supported by: Liam McArthur, Joan McAlpine, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Nanette Milne, Colin Beattie, Chic Brodie, Jackie Baillie, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Christina McKelvie, Mike MacKenzie, Roderick Campbell, Jamie Hepburn, Angus MacDonald*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09191♦ David Stewart: Local Knowledge Under Fire—That the Parliament notes the recent restructuring of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the proposed closure of five of Scotland‘s eight emergency control rooms, including that at Inverness; understands that these closures disproportionately affect rural constituencies where local geographic knowledge is highly important in mobilising firefighting efforts; notes the view that local problems require local solutions; considers that the control room proposals will leave rural towns and communities feeling vulnerable and isolated from the SFRS; believes that the fire safety legislation that has been passed by the National Assembly for Wales, which mandates the installation of fire sprinkler systems in all new buildings, is beneficial, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to consult on whether to introduce similar such legislation.

(26)

26

Supported by: Patricia Ferguson, Cara Hilton, Lewis Macdonald, Jackie Baillie, Jayne Baxter, Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay*, Rhoda Grant*

S4M-09190 Michael McMahon on behalf of the Welfare Reform Committee: The Impact of Welfare Reform—That the Parliament notes that many provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 came into force almost one year ago, on 1 April 2013, and that the Welfare Reform Committee has, over the past year, examined the impact of these, including the under-occupancy charge (commonly referred to as the bedroom tax), passported benefits and the Scottish Welfare Fund, and is committed to examining the role of foodbanks and increased sanctions, as well as the introduction of personal independence payments and universal credit.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn

S4M-09189 Rob Gibson: Wick Business Win—That the Parliament congratulates the Wick-based jeweller, Lynsey MacGregor, on her business, Lark and Lily Designs winning in the best wedding accessory supplier category at the Scottish Wedding Awards; notes that Lynsey was also named as Caithness Chambers of Commerce young entrepreneur for 2012; understands that Lynsey was also a guest at the latest Business in the Parliament event; considers that no matter where the business is located, the quality will always shine through, and wishes her every success for the future.

Supported by: Mary Scanlon, Joan McAlpine, Jean Urquhart, Kevin Stewart, Stuart McMillan, Chic Brodie, Richard Lyle, Colin Beattie, Adam Ingram, Christina McKelvie, Mike MacKenzie, Roderick Campbell, Jamie Hepburn, Jamie McGrigor*, Willie Coffey*, Angus MacDonald*

S4M-09188 Hanzala Malik: Interfaith Glasgow Talking Books Project—That the Parliament congratulates Interfaith Glasgow on the start of its pilot project, Talking Books; notes that the project includes people of all faiths and belief systems from Glasgow and the surrounding area; understands that the aim is to raise awareness in the Glasgow community of different cultures and faith; further notes that the project has nine volunteers of diverse faiths to talk about real life experiences in their belief systems and culture; commends the progress already made by Interfaith Glasgow and wishes it luck with the final event of the project in which volunteers will share their stories on a one-to-one basis with staff from Police Scotland, and looks forward to further such collaborations between the voluntary sector and public bodies to improve their understanding of different beliefs and cultures.

Supported by: Jim Hume, David Stewart, Cara Hilton, Patricia Ferguson, Richard Lyle, Colin Beattie, Jackie Baillie, Anne McTaggart, Kevin Stewart, Stuart McMillan, Mike MacKenzie, Jamie Hepburn, Willie Coffey*, Neil Findlay*, Margaret McCulloch*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09187 Jackie Baillie: Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight in West Dunbartonshire—That the Parliament congratulates the West Dunbartonshire Fairtrade Networking Group on its dedication to the promotion of fair trade in West Dunbartonshire; commends the group, which is supported by West Dunbartonshire Council, for its continued commitment toward West Dunbartonshire being awarded

(27)

27

fairtrade status; understands that the group has organised a number of activities and events throughout Fairtrade Fortnight including stalls, a hamper competition and engagement with local schools, nurseries and churches to raise awareness of fair trade, and commends all those people in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland who work tirelessly to promote the message that producers in the developing world should receive a fair price for their goods.

Supported by: Jim Hume, Hanzala Malik, George Adam, Graeme Dey, Richard Lyle, Anne McTaggart, Kevin Stewart, David Stewart, Roderick Campbell, Stuart McMillan, Mike MacKenzie, Jamie Hepburn, Neil Findlay*, Margaret McCulloch*, Fiona McLeod*, James Kelly*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09186 Christina McKelvie: Scots are "genetically programmed" to Make Political Decisions—That the Parliament notes the comments made by the Labour leader, Johann Lamont MSP, on Scotland Tonight,‎ when‎ she‎ said‎ that‎ ―we‘re not genetically‎ programmed‎ in‎ Scotland‎ to‎ make‎ political‎ decisions‖;‎ condemns what it considers the insinuation that people in Scotland cannot make political decisions for themselves; acknowledges what it sees as the success of the Scottish Parliament in delivering for the people of Scotland, by introducing a smoking ban, no tuition fees, free personal care, free bus passes for older people, the council tax freeze, no prescription charges, mitigating the effects of the so-called bedroom tax and many more successful polices; believes that these examples prove, contrary to Johann Lamont‘s belief, that the people of Scotland are as genetically programmed to make political decisions as any other successful independent country; understands that her comments are at odds with her colleagues in the Better Together campaign, most notably the‎Prime‎Minister,‎who‎said‎that‎―supporters‎of‎independence‎will‎always‎be‎ able to cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies across Europe such as Finland, Switzerland and Norway. It would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another‎such‎successful,‎independent‎country‖;‎considers‎that‎Scotland‎ bats well above its size in terms of influence in the modern world and therefore believes that it is wrong to suggest that its people are not "genetically programmed" to make their own political decisions; looks forward to the day when the Scottish Parliament has the full powers of any other independent country, and believes that when the people of Scotland elect an independent government, they will show that they are capable of making decisions for themselves.

Supported by: Joan McAlpine, Graeme Dey, Richard Lyle, Angus MacDonald, Stewart Stevenson, Adam Ingram, Kenneth Gibson, Chic Brodie, Colin Beattie, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Willie Coffey*, Maureen Watt*, Nigel Don* S4M-09185 Sandra White: Glasgow Kelvin’s Victorian Baths Awarded A-listed Status—That the Parliament welcomes Historic Scotland‘s awarding of A-listed status to two Victorian swimming baths in Glasgow Kelvin; notes that the Arlington Baths Club, built in 1870, and the Western Baths Club, built in 1876, are now regarded by Historic Scotland as buildings of national or international significance; applauds the clubs for what it considers their dedication to preserve these fine example of living history in Glasgow Kelvin while providing a modern leisure facility for their members to enjoy; understands that both institutions operate as member-owned and not-for-profit clubs that enjoy a friendly rivalry with each other due to being located only a mile apart, and wishes both swimming baths many more years

(28)

28

of success and that their members continue enjoying what it considers their fantastic facilities.

Supported by: Richard Lyle, Jackson Carlaw, Joan McAlpine, Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay, Rob Gibson, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Colin Beattie, Hanzala Malik, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Willie Coffey*, Adam Ingram*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09184 Jim Eadie: The Buchanan Institute—That the Parliament congratulates students at the University of Edinburgh on what it sees as the successful launch of the Buchanan Institute, Edinburgh‘s first student-led think tank, in January 2014; recognises that the institute aims to change the way that students engage with politics, moving toward solution-focused strategy and finding viable alternatives to traditional modes of protest; notes that its aims also include to focus students and their ideas on current political debates and issues between government, banks, the public sector and many other influential groups in society; further recognises what it considers the valuable contribution that students make in society and policy making, and looks forward to receiving policy proposals from the institute in future.

Supported by: Joan McAlpine, Roderick Campbell, Colin Keir, Anne McTaggart, Hanzala Malik, Aileen McLeod, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Adam Ingram, Stuart McMillan, Dennis Robertson, Liam McArthur, Rob Gibson, Kevin Stewart, Colin Beattie, Chic Brodie, Jamie Hepburn, Willie Coffey*, Angus MacDonald*, Nigel Don* S4M-09183 Sandra White: Glasgow Kelvin’s Garage Nightclub Turns 20—That the Parliament congratulates The Garage nightclub, in Glasgow Kelvin, on celebrating its 20th birthday; considers that The Garage has quickly become one of Scotland‘s best-loved venues for both clubbing and gigs, with world-renowned acts such as Radiohead, Prince and Jeff Buckley having played there; further considers that the club is most well known for its clubbing nights and that, over its 20 years, has built a reputation of being the foremost nightspot in the city; believes that, when circumstances demanded it, The Garage has shown a fantastic social conscience, such as in 2010 when it opened it doors overnight to give revellers stranded by the harsh winter weather a place to stay for the night, and wishes all those connected with the The Garage many more years of success.

Supported by: Richard Lyle, Rob Gibson, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Colin Beattie, Roderick Campbell, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Willie Coffey*, Adam Ingram*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09182 Mike MacKenzie: Wolff Hungry for F1 Success—That the Parliament welcomes the news that the Scots racing driver, Susie Wolff, from Oban will become the first woman in 22 years to participate at a Formula One (F1) grand prix weekend; understands that the 31-year-old has recently been promoted after an impressive performance in a test at Silverstone in July 2013 and will compete for Williams F1 in two practice sessions before the 2014 British and German races; notes that the former Oban High School pupil joined Williams as a development driver in 2012 following seven years in the German touring car championship in which she was twice nominated for what it sees as the prestigious British Racing Drivers‘ Club‘s Young Driver of the Year award; understands that Susie has been committed to

(29)

29

racing from a young age and that this has led to her becoming a valued member of the Williams‘ line-up; believes that Susie will continue to take strong steps in her driving career and performance, and hopes that she continues to succeed and inspire future generations of young racing drivers.

Supported by: Roderick Campbell, Graeme Dey, Bruce Crawford, Colin Beattie, Jamie McGrigor, Colin Keir, Joan McAlpine, Stuart McMillan, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Jim Hume, Richard Simpson, Adam Ingram, Anne McTaggart, Kenneth Gibson, Neil Findlay, Rob Gibson, Kevin Stewart, Chic Brodie, Jamie Hepburn, Angus MacDonald*, Fiona McLeod*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09181 Murdo Fraser: 500th Anniversary of the Birth of John Knox—That the Parliament recognises the 500th anniversary of John Knox‘s birth; notes his contribution to modern Scotland and Protestantism; understands that he is recognised as the founding father of the Scottish Reformation and of Presbyterianism in Scotland; encourages Scots to explore his contribution toward the country‘s religion, government and identity; notes that Knox helped write the new confession of faith and the ecclesiastical order for the newly created reformed church; considers that, with hundreds of thousands of members, this denomination still plays a significant role in modern day Scotland; believes that Knox‘s work helped to shape the democratic form of governance that the Church of Scotland adopted; acknowledges the events taking place to celebrate this anniversary in his birthplace, Haddington, and commemorates the life of a man whom it sees as one of Scotland‘s greatest sons.

Supported by: Alex Johnstone, Iain Gray, Nanette Milne, Liz Smith, John Lamont, Mary Scanlon, Anne McTaggart, Stuart McMillan, Margaret Mitchell*, Angus MacDonald*, Dave Thompson*

S4M-09180♦ Patricia Ferguson: Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Libraries, Supporting People Affected by Cancer—That the Parliament welcomes the launch by Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Libraries of an information and support service for anybody affected by cancer; believes that this free and confidential service provides access across communities to high-quality information and support in a relaxed and comfortable environment; understands that the service has been operating in libraries in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency for several months and that, from 28 February 2014, Milton Library will be the next in the constituency, and the 20th in the city, to offer it; believes that the provision of this important service in a local environment plays an important role in supporting people affected by cancer, and congratulates everyone involved with rolling the service out across Glasgow‘s communities.

Supported by: Drew Smith, Anne McTaggart, Hanzala Malik, Malcolm Chisholm, David Stewart, Jayne Baxter, Jackie Baillie, Jamie Hepburn, Margaret McCulloch* S4M-09179♦ Jamie Hepburn: Westminster Removes Bedroom Tax Exemption— That the Parliament notes with regret the result of a House of Commons vote on the Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which took place on 26 February 2014; understands that this vote will lead to thousands more households being affected by the so-called bedroom tax, including many in

(30)

30

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and across Scotland; understands that, as a result of this vote, an exemption from this tax that applied to anyone claiming housing benefit and living in the same home from 1996 onwards will now be removed; considers that this is a further example of how poorly thought-through the bedroom tax legislation has been; further notes the recent COSLA briefing, Impact of Bedroom Tax in Scotland, which noted that, while the bedroom tax was designed with the intention of saving in the region of £50 million a year in Scotland, the evidence shows that it will cost between £58 million and £60 million to implement in Scotland this year; believes that this unpopular tax represents not only an attack on some of the most vulnerable in society but is also damaging to councils and local housing associations and undermines social cohesion; notes that, despite broad political consensus opposed to this tax in Scotland, the UK Government has imposed this tax, despite a clear majority of Scottish MPs voting against it; welcomes the measures that the Scottish Government has introduced to mitigate the effects of the bedroom tax; notes that, despite these measures, the bedroom tax is still in place, and notes calls for the bedroom tax to be abolished.

Supported by: Joan McAlpine, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Willie Coffey, Colin Beattie, Chic Brodie, Aileen McLeod, John Mason, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Christina McKelvie, John Wilson, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Graeme Dey, Roderick Campbell, Angus MacDonald*, Dave Thompson*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09175 Jackie Baillie: Beatson Cancer Charity Launch—That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the new Beatson Cancer Charity, which brings together the resources of the Friends of the Beatson and the Beatson Oncology Centre Fund; understands that this new charity will support the vital work of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow, which is Scotland‘s largest cancer centre, delivering all of the radiotherapy and much of the chemotherapy to approximately 60% of Scotland‘s population; considers the launch and subsequent development of this new charity to be a unique and significant step in the fight against cancer in Scotland and further afield; welcomes that the Beatson Cancer Charity is determined to beat cancer and that, through a programme of active fundraising, it will help fund improvements and innovation in services, provide enhanced medical equipment and additional nursing posts as well as education, training and staff development at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre; welcomes that the charity will focus on facilitating high quality research programmes and groundbreaking early stage research to improve cancer treatment; understands that the Beatson Cancer Charity will adopt a partnership approach; welcomes the charity‘s support of the vision of the Beatson in Glasgow being rightfully regarded as an internationally renowned comprehensive cancer centre attracting the highest calibre of professional staff and developing state-of-the-art, pioneering techniques and treatments that will change the face of cancer treatment on a local, national and international scale; recognises what it sees as the importance of this new charity in the fight against cancer, and looks forward to hearing more about its work in due course.

Supported by: Sarah Boyack, Patricia Ferguson, Drew Smith, Hanzala Malik, Neil Findlay, Mike MacKenzie, Dennis Robertson, John Pentland, Colin Beattie, James Kelly, Malcolm Chisholm, Iain Gray, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Anne McTaggart, Jayne Baxter, Kenneth Gibson, David Stewart, Jamie Hepburn, Jamie McGrigor*, Willie Coffey*, Margaret McDougall*, Nigel Don*, Jackson Carlaw*

(31)

31

S4M-09174 Neil Findlay: Congratulating Islington Council on Adopting UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter—That the Parliament congratulates Islington Council on adopting UNISON‘s ethical care charter, which sets minimum standards to protect the dignity and quality of life for people who need homecare, commits the council to buying homecare only from providers who give workers enough time, training and a living wage so they can care properly, leading to better quality care for thousands of service users who rely on it and, in doing so, ends poverty pay and zero-hours contracts for staff, axes 15-minute care visits for service users, allows for more personalised care and supports service users to negotiate with their care provider on how and when they want their care to be delivered.

Supported by: Sarah Boyack, Patricia Ferguson, Jackie Baillie, Graeme Pearson, David Stewart, Cara Hilton, Hanzala Malik, Rhoda Grant, Jayne Baxter, Anne McTaggart, Claudia Beamish*

S4M-09173 Neil Findlay: Comments from the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh—That the Parliament notes with concern the comments by Dr Neil Dewhurst, the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, in which he identifies a wide range of pressures on the NHS, including an increase in the‎practice‎of‎―boarding‖‎patients,‎high‎levels‎of‎bed‎occupancy, reaching 124% in one‎ case,‎ and‎ the‎ need‎ to‎ ―implement‎ more‎ stringent‎ standards‎ for‎ the‎ quality‎ of‎ acute‎ medical‎ care‎ provided‎ to‎ patients‎ in‎ Scotland‖;‎ further‎ notes‎ Dr‎ Dewhurst‘s statement‎ that‎ ―reductions‎ in‎ the‎ numbers‎ of‎ acute‎ beds‎ while‎ medical‎ admissions have continued to rise, in parallel with workforce shortages, have placed intolerable pressure‎on‎our‎doctors‎and‎nurses‖,‎and‎considers‎that‎these‎comments‎follow‎on‎ from the call from a growing number of stakeholders across the health sector for a national review of the NHS in Scotland.

Supported by: Patricia Ferguson, Jackie Baillie, Sarah Boyack, Hanzala Malik, Michael McMahon, Cara Hilton, Rhoda Grant, David Stewart, Anne McTaggart, Elaine Smith, Alex Rowley, Margaret McDougall*

S4M-09171 John Finnie: Excellent Maternity Care at Raigmore—That the Parliament congratulates Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and its staff on the recent results of the Scottish Maternity Care Survey, which found that the maternity care provided was "excellent"; understands that the survey was sent to over 190 women who gave birth in Raigmore Hospital in February and March 2013 and had a 53% response rate; notes that over 95% of the respondents rated the advice and support during labour as excellent/good, while antenatal care services were found by 97% to be excellent/good, and believes that this survey demonstrates that Raigmore Hospital is delivering the top quality care expected of the NHS.

Supported by: Roderick Campbell, Jean Urquhart, Colin Beattie, Neil Findlay, Hanzala Malik, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Dave Thompson*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09169 Bruce Crawford: St Modan’s High School Wins Football Award— That the Parliament congratulates the achievement of St Modan‘s High School in Stirling on being awarded the Lloyd‘s TSB School of the Month for December 2013; notes that the award recognises exceptional primary and secondary schools participating in national football competitions; further notes that St Modan‘s High

(32)

32

School received the award due to its high levels of participation for both boys and girls in a range of age groups in these competitions; congratulates Craig Johnstone, who oversees football at St Modan‘s, for his appreciated contributions; commends Kieran Campbell, a pupil at the school, on his achievement of being named in the TSB Under-18 squad that represents Scotland in the upcoming Centenary Shield campaign, and wishes luck to the Scotland team, which faces Northern Ireland at East Fife‘s Bayview Stadium on 6 March in its opening fixture.

Supported by: Angus MacDonald, Roderick Campbell, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Mike MacKenzie, Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Liz Smith, Joan McAlpine, Chic Brodie, Maureen Watt, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Richard Lyle, Anne McTaggart, Nigel Don*

S4M-09168 Sarah Boyack: Congratulating the Pilton Equalities Project on 25 Years of Dedicated Service—That the Parliament congratulates the Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) on reaching a 25-year milestone in 2014; acknowledges what it considers PEP‘s outstanding work in the north of Edinburgh, providing key services for older people and other vulnerable adults in the community, including people with dementia; recognises the range of groups and services that PEP provides seven days a week, including lunch groups, mental health support, volunteering opportunities and shopping trips to various outlets across Edinburgh; commends PEP for its accessible transport provision service, which enables many older people and other vulnerable adults in the north of Edinburgh to remain socially active in the community and reduce isolation; considers that community transport plays a pivotal role in the health and wellbeing of people, allowing many to remain as independent as possible and to engage in social groups with their peers; further commends PEP for what it considers its innovative lifelong learning opportunities and acknowledges its dedication to providing classes on a range of topics, including IT, literacy, numeracy, exercise, home care training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) lessons; understands that the programmes are tailored to suit the needs of participants, and thanks all those who have been involved in PEP over the years for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Malcolm Chisholm, David Stewart, Jim Hume, Hanzala Malik, Patricia Ferguson, Jackie Baillie, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Mike MacKenzie, Dennis Robertson*, Alison Johnstone*, Nigel Don*

S4M-09167 James Dornan: Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality Law—That the Parliament expresses its deep regret at the passing of the anti-homosexuality act in Uganda, which it understands can lead to gay men and women being given a life sentence; believes that this is a regressive step for Uganda to take and expresses its concern for gay men and women in Uganda living in fear as a result of this law; further expresses its horror that a tabloid newspaper in Uganda has "exposed" the names of 200 men and women believed to be gay and abhors such a move, which it considers will lead to widespread fear and alarm among Uganda‘s LGBT people; further believes that the UK Government must make clear that asylum will be offered to anyone whose life is in danger as a result, and would welcome the opportunity to tell Scotland‘s story on gay and lesbian equality, and the many benefits that it brings to modern Scottish society, to Ugandan officials during the Commonwealth Games.