IOG: Parliament News, issue 6/march 2001

Scottish Affairs web site

Events

At the beginning of the month Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace announced the publication of the Scottish Executive's proposals for the Freedom of Information Bill, making the right of access to information held by Scottish public authorities legally enforceable, backed up by a fully independent Commissioner.

On March 8 the Scottish Executive suffered its first Parliamentary defeat on the casting vote of Sir David Steel, the Presiding Officer, after a split vote of 55-55 on a motion backed by SNP and Tory leaders calling for a tie-up compensation scheme for fishermen. The defeat was partly because four Liberal Democrats voted against the Executive and partly due to the absence of 13 Labour MSPs, some of whom had left the Chamber early for the Labour Party Conference in Inverness the next day. The vote was subsequently overturned on March 15 when the ruling parties were at full strength.

The Scottish Executive however provoked anger from the Scottish Fishermen's Federation by ignoring the first parliament vote when Ross Finnie, the Rural Development Minister and Rhona Brankin the Fisheries Minister upheld their offer of a £27 million support package for a decommissioning scheme as the best solution for the fishing industry crisis.

On 9 March Tavish Scott, the Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland resigned as Deputy Minister for Parliament following the Executive's continuing opposition to tie-up measures after the fishing vote dispute. Euan Robson, MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire was appointed to take Mr Scott's post as the new Deputy Minister for Parliament.

On March 15 Ross Finnie, the Minister for Rural Development issued a ministerial statement on further measures being put in place to eradicate the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. These measures included slaughtering all sheep on farms within three km of infected premises, all sheep flocks which contain animals that could be traced to infected markets, compensation for animals with welfare problems as a result of movement restrictions and new movement order.

On 20 March Sam Galbraith, the Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture resigned from his ministerial post for health reasons. Henry McLeish subsequently announced his intention to redistribute Mr Galbraith's portfolio among existing ministers as follows:

Environment to become part of Ross Finnie's portfolio, who now becomes Minister for Environment and Rural Development.
Planning becomes part of Sarah Boyack's portfolio, who now becomes Minister for Transport and Planning. Lewis Macdonald was also later appointed Deputy Minister for Transport and Planning.
Sport, the Arts and Culture to remain with Allan Wilson as Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture, he will now report direct to the First Minister.

On 27 March Scottish Ministers appointed Peter Lederer as Chair of visitscotland (formerly the Scottish Tourist Board).

On 28 March Wendy Alexander, the Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning announced a £13.5 million package for rural businesses, in particular the tourism industry, affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

On 28 March the Scottish Parliament approved the Graduate Endowment Bill which foresees grants of up to £2000 for students from low-income families, access to an extra £500 loan for students with a family income of less than £15,000, updating of the higher education means-test, a mature student's bursary Fund and a new school meals grant for students with children. Scots starting full-time degree study in Scotland from this autumn will be liable for a £2000 payment after they graduate, although some students will be exempt. £10,000 threshold for repayment upheld against SNP and Tory challenges.

Committee Reports

On 2 March the Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee approved proposals to establish two new independent bodies to regulate care services and social service workers, but expressed concern over arrangements for fees and funding as well as inspection of residential care facilities.

On 9 March the Social Justice Committee published a two-volume report of detailed recommendations on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The general principles of the Bill were approved by the Committee.

On 19 March the Transport & Environment Committee announced the remit of an inquiry into the management and maintenance of trunk roads in Scotland.

Research opportunities

The Scottish Parliament holds a budget for commissioning research for Parliamentary committees and holds a database for researchers interested in tendering for committee research. Anyone wishing to be included in the database should complete the on-line form on the Parliament website at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/whats_happening/news-00/pa00-039.htm

Publications

Scottish Executive publications can be accessed on the Scottish Executive website at www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/recent.asp

Some of those published in the last month include:

Consultation on the Handbook for Collaborative Review of Initial Teacher Education in Scotland: invitation of comment. 7.3.2001

International Opportunities within Scottish Education and Training 2001: booklet providing information on international opportunities to education, training, youth and community sectors in Scotland. 8.3.2001

Women and Men in the Professions in Scotland: statistical study. 9.3.2001

Unlocking the Potential: An Action Plan for the Credit Union Movement in Scotland: agenda for action for solutions to financial services in disadvantaged communities. 13.3.2001

Towards Full Employment in a Modern Society: paper setting out the Government's plans for full employment. 14.3.2001

The Comeback Code: advice for public access to the countryside from the State Veterinary Service and guidance previously issued by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department responsible for action to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease. 23.3.2001

Scottish Social and Scottish Economic Statistics. 28.3.2001

Consultation on Sixth Environmental Action Programme: invitation to comment on the EU's environmental objectives for the next ten years. 29.3.2001

The Scottish Budget: Annual expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive Summary. 30.3.2001.

Protecting our Rights: a Human Rights Commission for Scotland? Consultation document: document setting out main issues and invitation to comment 30.3.2001.

Links to other issues of Parliament News

Contact

Should you have any comments or enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Margaret MacPherson at the Institute of Governance.

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