David Whitton MSP for Strathkelvin & Bearsden took part in a number debates in the Scottish Parliament.

        Please find below links to the official report of what was said by David in the chambers.

Fairtrade Fortnight - 3 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0303-02.htm#Col24205

Education & Skills - 4 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0304-02.htm#Col24345

Aquaculture - 10 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0310-02.htm#Col24406

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice - 11 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0311-02.htm#Col24601

Tourism - 17 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0317-02.htm#Col24656

Public services Reform (Scotland) Bill - 25 March 2010
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0325-02.htm#Col25167

Please find below questions recently asked by David Whitton MSP
S3W-32560 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 18, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive how many apprentices have been made redundant since 1 April 2008 and (a) have found or (b) are still seeking alternative training or employment or (c) have left the training programme, broken down by (i) local authority area and (ii) occupational grouping.

Due for answer Monday, April 19, 2010
S3W-32317 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 11, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the decorating contracts for the Water Industry Commission for Scotland’s office were put out to tender and, if so, when and how many companies bid for the work.

Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (Saturday, March 20, 2010): I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32314 on 19 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

S3W-32316 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 11, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Water Industry Commission for Scotland has spent on decorating expenses for office accommodation since 2007.

Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (Saturday, March 20, 2010): I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32314 on 19 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

S3W-32315 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 11, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Water Industry Commission for Scotland has spent on hospitality expenses since 2007.

Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (Saturday, March 20, 2010): I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32314 on 19 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

S3W-32314 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 11, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Water Industry Commission for Scotland has spent on travelling expenses since 2007 and how much was incurred by the (a) Chief Executive and (b) Chairman.

Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (Saturday, March 20, 2010): The Water Industry Commission for Scotland is the independent economic regulator for the water industry in Scotland. Its detailed operating costs including travel, hospitality and decorating expenses are matters for the commission to determine. I have asked Alan Sutherland, Chief Executive of the commission, to respond to you directly.

S3W-32049 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Monday, March 01, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive whether future meetings are planned involving representatives of the Scottish Futures Trust, Macquarie Bank and Scottish Water to discuss alternative funding models for Scottish Water and, if so, when such meetings will take place.

Answered by John Swinney (Wednesday, March 10, 2010): I have asked Barry White, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust to respond. His response is as follows: No such meetings are planned.

S3W-32048 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Monday, March 01, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Futures Trust officials have met representatives of Macquarie Bank to discuss future funding models for Scottish Water.

Answered by John Swinney (Thursday, March 11, 2010): I have asked Barry White, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust to respond. His response is as follows: I can confirm that officials from the Scottish Futures Trust have met with representatives of Macquarie Bank. This was in line with our Corporate Plan undertaking of collaborating with other interested parties, to work-up, and assess options to increase the efficiency of funding for Scottish Water, whilst retaining public ownership, that could be considered by Scottish Ministers.

S3W-32047 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Monday, March 01, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive what funding models for Scottish Water have been the subject of further work or investigation by the (a) Scottish Government or (b) Scottish Futures Trust.

Answered by John Swinney (Wednesday, March 10, 2010): The Scottish Government has not undertaken any further work or investigation into funding models for Scottish Water since my meeting with representatives of Macquarie Bank on 15 July 2009. With regards to what funding models for Scottish Water have been the subject of further work or investigation by the Scottish Futures Trust I have asked their Chief Executive, Barry White, to respond. His response is as follows: Scottish Futures Trust is considering a broad range of options for potential future funding of Scottish Water in public ownership.

S3W-32046 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Monday, March 01, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed the future funding model for Scottish Water with representatives of Macquarie Bank and, if so, on how many occasions and what the outcome was of those discussions.

Answered by John Swinney (Wednesday, March 10, 2010): I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32045 on 10 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

S3W-32045 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Monday, March 01, 2010): To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates it met representatives of Macquarie Bank and what was discussed at each meeting.

Answered by John Swinney (Wednesday, March 10, 2010): The First Minister met a representative of Macquarie Bank on 11 September 2008 to discuss where Macquarie might be able to support the strategy of the Scottish Government. Scottish Water was not discussed at this meeting.

At their invitation I met with other representatives of Macquarie Bank on 15 July 2009 to discuss the financing of Scottish Water. At this meeting I made clear that the Scottish Government was only interested in options that allowed Scottish Water to remain in public ownership and accountable to the people of Scotland through Scottish ministers.

Please find below motions recently signed  by David Whitton
S3M-06058 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Purple Day, Raising Awareness of Epilepsy— That the Parliament welcomes Purple Day on Friday 26 March 2010, which aims to raise awareness of epilepsy; notes that around 40,000 Scots are affected by epilepsy; hopes that MSPs and staff will show their support by wearing something purple on that day in order to support the national charity, Epilepsy Scotland, and wishes its chief executive the best of luck with her trek up the Great Glen to raise funds for the charity.

S3M-06037 Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Scottish Labour): Passport Project Recognised with Kids Count Award— That the Parliament congratulates Access to Industry’s Passport Project on being awarded a special Director's Award at the Kids Count Inspiration Awards; notes that the awards recognise individuals and organisations that have been responsible for inspiring young people in their communities through practical initiatives that make a positive difference to young people’s lives and afford them greater freedom to determine their own futures; further notes that the award recognises and reflects the motivation and hard work of the young people with whom the project works who sometimes find themselves in difficult circumstances that are beyond their control; further notes that the Passport employability programme supports young people moving on from care and prison backgrounds to overcome barriers back into employment and education by focussing the project on innovation, creativity, commitment and passion to ensure a structured, quality one-to-one service for young people; welcomes Access to Industry’s approach to working with Edinburgh-based colleges and other organisations such as John Lewis and Royal Mail to provide learning opportunities and work placements for young people; further notes that, between January 2007 and February 2010, Passport has worked with a total of 473 young people, with 240 gaining SQA qualifications, 47 securing employment, 78 moving on to college and a further 97 moving on to training programmes, and wishes the project and the young people who use it continued success into the future.

S3M-06036 Ian McKee (Lothians) (Scottish National Party): In Memory of Sir James Black— That the Parliament mourns the passing of one of Scotland’s greatest sons, Sir James Black, who was born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, grew up in Fife and studied medicine at the University of St Andrews; recalls that he went on to become one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1988 and the Order of Merit in 2000; pays tribute to a life lived in service to humanity; recognises his scientific endeavour and outstanding contribution to medicine through the invention of propranolol, the first ever beta-blocker, at the time a major medical breakthrough in the treatment of angina and heart disease, which has gone on to save millions of lives worldwide; further recognises that the invention of cimetidine, the first ever H2 antagonist revolutionised the treatment of duodenal ulcers by removing the need for painful and costly surgery; contends that this brilliant man, who remained humble throughout his life despite his many considerable achievements, was indeed one of the finest products of the Scottish educational system; extends its sympathy and offers heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Sir James Black, and believes that Scotland and the entire world owes him a massive debt of gratitude.

S3M-06032 Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Scottish Labour): Celebrating the Scottish Football Museum— That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Football Museum, Hampden Park, Glasgow, on achieving recognised status for its collection, awarded by Museum Galleries Scotland; further notes that Scotland was the first country in the world to establish a national football museum; considers that the Scottish Football Museum reflects many of the pioneering influences that Scotland has brought to the modern game of association football; wishes the Scottish museum a successful future, and would welcome admission to the Scottish Football Museum being free to maximise the number of visitors to the best football museum in the world.

S3M-06022 Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Scottish Labour): Caldercuilt Primary School's Third Eco-Schools Green Flag— That the Parliament congratulates Caldercuilt Primary School, Summerston, on achieving its third Eco-Schools Green Flag award; acknowledges that the Green Flag award is the top level of award given to schools that have met the seven elements in the Eco-Schools process; recognises the importance of the Eco-Schools programme in encouraging whole-school action for the environment, and commends everyone in the Caldercuilt Primary School community for their commitment to environmental issues that has helped achieve this award.

S3M-06019 Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Scottish Labour): 50th Anniversary of Cheapside Street Fire— That the Parliament recalls with sadness the Cheapside Street fire in Anderston, Glasgow, which began on 28 March 1960 following a warehouse explosion; notes that 14 Glasgow Fire Service and five Glasgow Salvage Corps personnel perished under debris from the blast; recognises that this has been the biggest loss of life for the fire service during peacetime, and notes the events taking place prior to the anniversary to remember those who died.

S3M-06009 Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Scottish Labour): Travis Trek 6— That the Parliament congratulates Larkhall man Scott Cunningham and his guide dog, Travis, for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, who have raised £85,000 since 2003; notes that on Sunday 28 March 2010 Scott and Travis will begin a seven-day trek along the West Highland Way, their sixth and final long-distance trek in aid of the charity, during which they hope to raise at least a further £15,000 thus breaking a total of £100,000; further notes that Travis is the holder of the title of Scottish Guide Dog of the Year 2009 in recognition of his outstanding efforts with Scott, and wishes both Scott and Travis every success in meeting their target and completing this trek.

S3M-06006 Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Scottish Labour): UK Government's Response to the ICL Inquiry Report— That the Parliament notes the UK Government’s response to the ICL Inquiry report, produced by Lord Gill, into the causes of the factory explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd in Maryhill, Glasgow, on 11 May 2004; welcomes the commitment to take steps to strengthen the safe operation of liquid petroleum gas in small bulk installations; understands that the UK Government is already acting in many of the areas covered by Lord Gill’s recommendations, and hopes that this action will help to ensure that a similar tragedy can never again occur.

S3M-05988 Marilyn Livingstone (Kirkcaldy) (Scottish Labour): Victory for Local Newspapers— That the Parliament considers the decision by the Scottish Government to drop its proposals for local authorities to publish public information notices online instead of in newspapers as part of a money-saving exercise a victory for local newspapers; believes that the proposals were deeply undemocratic due to the fact that many people still do not have access to the internet, including nine out of 10 single pensioners, 46% of single parents, 49% of single adults and 77% of couples of non-pensionable age; considers that the proposals could have resulted in changes being introduced in local areas without proper scrutiny and widespread public knowledge; is concerned that the proposals would have cost the newspaper industry up to £10 million in lost revenue; believes that local authorities have a duty to ensure that communities are properly informed about important decisions and to protect good local journalism, and congratulates all those involved in the campaign to support local newspapers, such as the Fife Free Press, that provide a good quality service.

S3M-05983 Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to St Mary's Primary, Duntocher, and Milngavie Primary on reaching the Euroquiz Final— That the Parliament congratulates St Mary’s Primary, Duntocher, in West Dunbartonshire and Milngavie Primary in East Dunbartonshire on reaching the final of the Scottish European Educational Trust’s primary schools Euroquiz, due to take place in the Scottish Parliament on 10 May 2010; acknowledges the tremendous efforts of the children, their peers, parents and staff at the school who have all contributed toward this achievement, and recognises the value of the Euroquiz experience in terms of the children’s development, not only as successful learners but also as responsible citizens.

S3M-05981 Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Scottish Labour): Withdrawal of Cheques— That the Parliament notes the decision of the UK Payment Council to phase out cheques by 2018; notes that, although the use of cheques is in decline, figures show that 663 million cheques were used in 2008 and the banks stand to gain significant savings from their abolition; further notes the concerns raised by the Federation of Small Businesses and Age Scotland; is concerned that, due to this decision, many companies are already refusing to accept cheques, and calls on the UK Payment Council to consult on a suitable alternative method for those who rely on the cheque system that has the confidence of the consumer.

S3M-05968 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): A Step forward in Hospital and Patient Communication— That the Parliament welcomes the introduction of the 4Cs system to the State Hospital, replacing the previous complaint system by introducing the possibility of compliments, comments, concerns and complaints, which has subsequently led to a decrease in the number of complex formal complaints and an increase in more productive and proactive comments emanating from useful community meetings and suggestion boxes; commends the positive effect that this had had on patients, who now feel able to get clarity on issues without launching formal complaints; considers that this is a positive step forward in increasing the opportunities for patients to provide feedback and to communicate with hospitals, and further commends this system for more general use in the NHS and other public services.

S3M-05946 Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish Labour): Bank of Scotland's Commitment to Scottish Athletics— That the Parliament recognises and commends Bank of Scotland for its support of Scottish youth athletes through its sponsorship of Scottish athletics and BADMINTON Scotland; acknowledges Bank of Scotland’s partnership with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games, which, it considers, shows the bank’s support for the success of Scottish athletes; considers that Bank of Scotland has made generous efforts in aiding Scottish youth athletes in their development right up to elite performer level; furthermore, praises Bank of Scotland’s commitment to increasing athletic participation in Scotland and understands that an estimated 10,000 young people will take part in badminton programmes associated with the sponsorship over the next 12 months, and, finally, congratulates Bank of Scotland on the Bank of Scotland International Championships in Badminton, which many consider to have emerged as the premier tournament on the badminton Europe circuit over the last 10 years.

S3M-05943 Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Scottish Labour): Scottish Newspaper Industry— That the Parliament notes the widespread opposition to the removal of public information notices (PINs) from local newspapers as proposed by the Scottish Government; notes that the consultation on PINs concluded on 12 February 2010; calls on the Scottish Government to listen to the views of all those who submitted to the consultation and to the outcome of the vote in the Scottish Parliament on 28 January 2010, with 74 to 48 in favour of the motion to withdraw the proposal; welcomes the Newspaper Summit on 13 February 2010, at which the industry’s opposition to the Scottish Government’s proposals was repeatedly raised, and further calls on the Scottish Government to withdraw the proposals as soon as possible.

S3M-05933 Stewart Maxwell (West of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): No Free Advertising for the BNP— That the Parliament believes that the British National Party (BNP) has no place in Scottish politics and completely rejects its policies; congratulates the people of Scotland for refusing to support BNP candidates at local authority, Scottish Parliament, UK and EU elections; condemns the use of images of the armed forces by the BNP and considers it to be an attempt to win votes at recent elections; welcomes reports that some local authorities have outlawed election posters on lamp posts and other street furniture; calls on other local authorities to do the same without delay, and believes that such action will deny the BNP an opportunity at the forthcoming UK general election to spread what many consider to be its unwelcome message by giving the public a distorted view of its levels of support.

S3M-05911 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Minimum Unit Pricing, Is It Legal?— That the Parliament notes the ruling by the European Court of Justice that legislation in Austria, Ireland and France imposing a system of minimum retail selling prices for tobacco products may establish a competitive advantage for some manufacturers and importers and as such is not compatible with Article 9(1) of European Directive 95/59; considers that this is consistent with the comments in the Law Society of Scotland’s submission to the consultation on the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill that there are issues of compatibility raised by the imposition of minimum pricing at EU level under various aspects of EU law including Directive 95/59; believes that, if the Scottish Government is confident that minimum unit pricing is fully consistent with EU law, it should share the substance of that legal advice with opposition parties; further believes that failure to do so will undermine the credibility of the Scottish Government’s position on minimum unit pricing, and calls on the Scottish Government to concentrate on measures that will fairly, effectively and legally tackle Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

S3M-05909 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Happy 10th Birthday to Clowndoctors and Elderflowers— That the Parliament commends the work of the Hearts&Minds’ Clowndoctors and Elderflowers programmes; understands that these programmes aim to enhance the lives of people in hospital, hospice or residential care through interaction, communication and laughter; further understands that the Clowndoctors and Elderflowers are specially trained to work with children or elderly people in a healthcare setting, using artistic expression to help vulnerable people cope with feelings associated with their illness; recognises how beneficial their visits can be to patients and their families; congratulates Hearts&Minds for its success and expansion in the last 10 years, and encourages the continued support for this charity.

S3M-05886 Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): Michael Foot— That the Parliament notes with great sadness the passing of Michael Foot (1913-2010) at the age of 96; recognises his dedication to the Labour Party, the Labour movement, the cause of socialism and to British parliamentary democracy; acknowledges his lifelong and inspirational commitment to peace and justice, giving voice to those who opposed apartheid in South Africa, to those who fought injustice at home and across the world, and in championing British unilateral nuclear disarmament; considers that he made a huge contribution as a minister and as the leader of the Labour Party in fighting tirelessly during times of a global energy crisis and domestic economic breakdown to protect the most vulnerable; recognises that Michael Foot was a man deeply passionate about politics, literature and learning, devoted to the Labour Party and his beloved Plymouth Argyle FC, and considers that he fought tirelessly for his values and beliefs, was one of the most eloquent speakers to ever grace the House of Commons, that his legacy, in word and action, speaks to a life well lived in the service of others and that this finest of examples of a politician of honesty, decency, integrity, humanity and compassion will be sadly missed.

S3M-05885.1 Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): Kinship Care Allowance Cuts— As an amendment to motion S3M-5885 in the name of Christopher Harvie (Kinship Care Allowance Cuts), leave out from “notes” to end and insert “further considers, however, that the concordat commitment to ensure that all kinship carers of looked-after children in Scotland are paid the recommended allowance for foster carers within the lifetime of the Parliament has been dropped by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, despite the commitments given in the chamber by the First Minister on 27 September 2007 and the Minister for Children and Early Years on 11 December 2008; believes that, while broken promises have become the hallmark of the current SNP administration, this is particularly regrettable given that it concerns some of Scotland's most vulnerable children and their carers, many of whom are older people, and calls on government at every level to work together to secure the best outcome for children being looked after by kinship carers.”
S3M-05878 John Farquhar Munro (Ross, Skye and Inverness West) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): Commemoration Statue for Tom Johnston— That the Parliament considers that the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board (NOSHEB) brought valuable economic and social benefits to communities across the Highlands and Islands after it was set up in 1943; believes that, without the work of Tom Johnston, first as the wartime Secretary of State for Scotland and then as Chairman of NOSHEB, NOSHEB may well not have been established and almost certainly would not have had the enlightened social and economic outlook that brought so many benefits to the Highlands and Islands, and further believes that Tom Johnston should be commemorated by a statue overlooking one of the great hydro-electric schemes that were his legacy to the people of the Highlands and Islands and to Scotland so that future generations never forget what Scotland owes him.

S3M-05876 John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Plugged in to Ultra-low-carbon Vehicles— That the Parliament welcomes the UK Government’s action to boost the UK’s low-carbon supply chain by introducing its £230 million ultra-low-carbon vehicle incentive programme and in particular measures that offer UK consumers a discount of up to £5,000 off the cost of environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid cars; further welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of a £30 million fund for a network of plugged-in places, a network of electric vehicle hubs, that will see battery charging infrastructure appearing in car parks, major supermarkets, leisure centres, retail centres and on streets; recognises the crucial role that more environmentally friendly vehicles could play in bringing down the UK’s carbon emissions and the importance of early market creation and adequate infrastructure provision for such vehicles, and applauds the hard work of organisations such as Europe’s largest independent lithium-ion battery systems supplier, Axeon, in pioneering research and development to significantly improve the commercial viability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

S3M-05857# Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Scottish Labour): Local News Coverage in the South of Scotland— That the Parliament notes that the current news coverage provided by ITV Tyne Tees & Border consists of a six-minute opt-out for the former Border region plus 21 minutes of coverage from Tyne Tees; is concerned that residents in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are receiving a disproportionate amount of news content that is of little relevance to them; believes that residents in the South of Scotland are being disadvantaged compared with the rest of Scotland with regard to coverage of matters relating to the activities of the Scottish Parliament, and further believes that the UK Department for Media, Culture and Sport’s proposals to fund regional TV pilots provides an opportunity for bidders to offer a half-hour current affairs programme relevant to the South of Scotland and thereby build up capacity in TV broadcasting and stimulate the creative industries across the region.

S3M-05835 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): No Smoking Day 2010— That the Parliament congratulates the No Smoking Day charity on its 27th annual public health campaign, which will take place on 10 March 2010; notes that one in 10 smokers in Scotland made a quit attempt on No Smoking Day last year; further notes that smoking remains the number one cause of premature avoidable death in Scotland with 13,500 deaths due to smoking every year, and considers that there is a need for continued support of No Smoking Day.

S3M-05834 Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Big-hearted Blairdardie— That the Parliament congratulates the residents of Blairdardie and the users of the Blairdrum Neighbourhood Centre for raising over £1,600 since 2005 at their annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events for Macmillan Cancer Support; notes that Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer and their families through a range of services including specialised medical professionals, cancer care centres, cancer support specialists, benefits advice and grants schemes, and encourages MSPs, schools, businesses and community groups to hold their own World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events on Friday 24 September 2010.

S3M-05831 Angela Constance (Livingston) (Scottish National Party): Campaign for Improved Neonatal Care Comes to Parliament— That the Parliament congratulates Bliss, the special care baby charity, on its 30th birthday in Scotland, to be celebrated in the Parliament on 3 March 2010; considers that there is a need for better support for families whose babies are admitted to a neonatal unit far away from the family home, including financial support and accommodation; further considers that too often babies and mothers needing care are transferred long distances from home due to staff shortages at more local units rather than for medical need, and, finally, praises the nurses and doctors working in neonatal units who work tirelessly to ensure that special care babies receive the best possible standards of care.

S3M-05829 Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish Labour): Save the Children's Museum of Poverty— That the Parliament welcomes Save the Children’s Museum of Poverty coming to the Parliament to highlight the impact of child poverty in Scotland and the steps that need to be taken to eradicate it once and for all; congratulates the young people and parents from Glasgow and Glasgow Shettleston who created the Museum of Poverty and who have themselves experienced poverty; welcomes them to the Parliament for a reception on Thursday 4 March 2010; recognises, during the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the importance of such awareness-raising work in consigning poverty to history; notes with concern that 240,000 children still live in poverty in Scotland, 95,000 of whom live in severe poverty; and this means that children and parents are missing out on everyday essentials such as food and clothing and cannot afford things that most families take for granted, such as celebrating a birthday or having a short family holiday; believes that every child deserves a fair chance in life, all are born equal and none should be left behind and that it is not fair that any child grows up in poverty; acknowledges that child poverty remains a significant concern and further action is needed to tackle it, and calls on the Scottish Government, alongside other key stakeholders, to make child poverty history once and for all.

S3M-05820 Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): Specialist Police Units Tackling Complex Offences such as E-crime and Murder— That the Parliament applauds the call by Tayside Police Chief Constable Justine Curran to extend co-operative working between forces to deal with complex offences such as e-crime and murder and issues such as human trafficking for the sex trade; notes that Tayside Police and two other forces already work together on firearms, and believes that shared units to deal with these complex crimes would help deal with more cases and build specialist expertise in our police forces.

S3M-05815 Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): Fair Care for Parkinson’s— That the Parliament endorses the Parkinson’s Disease Society’s Fair Care for Parkinson’s campaign, which aims to ensure that everyone affected by Parkinson’s receives the information, care and support that they need; recognises that there are about 10,000 people with Parkinson’s in Scotland; welcomes the publication of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland’s (NHS QIS) Clinical Standards - Neurological Health Services, which outlines the support that all NHS boards should provide for people with Parkinson’s and their carers, including diagnosis and review from a doctor specialising in Parkinson’s, ongoing access to a multidisciplinary team, including a Parkinson’s specialist nurse, and measures to make sure that people get their Parkinson’s medication on time every time; further welcomes the publication of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline no. 113, Diagnosis and pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease, and, in particular, its recommendation that everyone with suspected Parkinson’s should be referred untreated to a doctor specialising in Parkinson’s to reduce high rates of misdiagnosis, and believes that full implementation of the NHS QIS clinical standards and SIGN guideline is essential to improve NHS care for people with Parkinson’s wherever they live in Scotland.

S3M-05791 Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Scottish Labour): Community Champions— That the Parliament notes the second Community Champions Award ceremony in Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal and applauds the finalists and the category winners, Possilpark Summer Camp, Brian Land, PC Nicola Thom, Glasgow Council on Alcohol north team, Margaret McIntyre and the Ruchill Youth Project; recognises the excellent work carried out by all the finalists in their local communities throughout the year, and congratulates the Evening Times and its partners for providing the opportunity to record their achievements and to honour their hard work, dedication and commitment.

S3M-05784 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): International Rare Disease Day— That the Parliament welcomes the third International Rare Disease Day on 28 February 2010; notes that there are over 6,000 rare diseases affecting approximately 300,000 people in Scotland; supports the focus of this year’s Rare Disease Day on the importance of research for the majority of rare disease patients who are without adequate treatment or a cure, and joins Rare Disease UK in calling on the Scottish Government to build on the strong research and development base in Scotland to develop a framework to encourage further research and development for rare diseases and develop a strategy and implementation plan for their diagnosis and management.

S3M-05781# Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Scottish Labour): Scrap and Build for Better Buses Made in Scotland— That the Parliament notes that some transport authorities have secured better value for money when tendering for bus services by purchasing vehicles themselves rather than incurring costs that include a vehicle supplied by the bidders; further notes the flexibility and efficiency of the five Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) ALX 300 buses operating in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport area, which are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and which have variable numbers of seats in various configurations enabling one vehicle to be used for demand-responsive services, school services and local scheduled bus services in the course of a single day; considers that, to the proven efficiency and social benefits of such buses should be added the environmental and jobs benefits of increasing production of ADL’s new hybrid bus, which is compliant with both DDA requirements and with emissions targets; but notes with concern that over 900 workers at ADL, Scotland's sole bus manufacturer, are on a three-day week, and calls on the Scottish Government, as a matter of urgency, to fund grants for acquisition of ADL buses by transport authorities and by commercial bus operators to ensure a new generation of bus-build that secures Scottish jobs and skills, world-class bus manufacturing in Falkirk and the provision of world-class transport for the Scottish public.

S3M-05768# Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Fairtrade Fortnight 2010— That the Parliament welcomes Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 22 February to 7 March 2010; applauds the efforts of church groups, charities, schools and individuals in promoting the benefits of fair trade in Scotland; considers that the fair trade movement has already made a positive difference to the lives of thousands of people and communities across the globe; recognises that the fair trade concept is based on traditional cooperative principles of community ownership, concern for communities and democratic membership control; notes that estimated sales of fair trade products across the United Kingdom total over £700 million; welcomes moves to establish a cross-party group on fair trade in the Scottish Parliament; notes the continuing success of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, established in January 2007, ahead of its third Fairtrade Fortnight tour of Scotland; notes that the tour will cover 15 local authority areas in order to raise awareness of the final push to make Scotland the world's second Fair Trade nation by the end of 2011, and would welcome as many schools, local authorities, further and higher education establishments and businesses as possible striving to achieve fair trade status.

S3M-05754 Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish Labour): Haggeye in the Parliament— That the Parliament was pleased to welcome the presence in the Parliament last week of Haggeye, the forum for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland, as part of the Community Partnerships Project, which also involved Multi Ethnic Aberdeen Ltd and Action For Children; congratulates Haggeye on its enthusiastic engagement with the project through an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of important issues for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland, most recently by promoting RNIB Scotland's What Would You Lose campaign in the Parliament, and calls on parliamentarians to continue to show support for initiatives such as Haggeye.

S3M-05695 Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Scottish Green Party): WWF's Earth Hour 2010— That the Parliament supports WWF’s Earth Hour 2010, in which, at 8.30pm on Saturday 27 March, thousands of people all over Scotland will join hundreds of millions across the globe in switching off their lights for 60 minutes in a demonstration of support for people and wildlife threatened by climate change; urges all local authorities and other public bodies to sign up to Earth Hour; considers that the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen failed to establish a sufficiently ambitious or binding framework capable of tackling the threat of climate change; considers that Scotland has shown leadership by setting the world’s strongest statutory greenhouse gas targets, and calls on all nations to agree a legally binding global deal this year that sets stringent carbon emissions reduction targets at global and national levels.

S3M-05640# Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Scottish Labour): We Want Our Missing Millions— That the Parliament welcomes the We want our Missing Millions campaign by the organisation, for Scotland’s Disabled Children; notes that the campaign seeks to secure £11.3 million from the Scottish Government for Scotland’s disabled children, representing the final third of £34 million intended to support disabled children and young people; notes that in North Lanarkshire this would mean over £700,000 for better and new services for disabled children and young people, and would strongly welcome the £11.3 million being spent on support for disabled children and young people in all areas.

S3M-05458 Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Scottish Labour): Lifting the Spirit of Those in Need— That the Parliament commends the work of Spirit Aid, founded by David Hayman and friends in 2001; notes that the humanitarian relief organisation is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and young people whose lives have been devastated by war, poverty, genocide, ethnic cleansing and all forms of abuse; recognises that this is a voluntary organisation that relies solely on the goodwill and donations of its supporters, committing 100% of all donations to humanitarian aid; further recognises that Spirit Aid has successfully undertaken projects in places such as Kosovo, Guinea Bissau, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Scotland, and supports Spirit Aid’s aim to attempt to hand back a better, healthier, safer and more just world to the children of the Earth.

David Whitton MSP is a member of the Finance Committee.
Please find below a link to the official report of recent meetings and reports.
Report on the Financial Memorandum of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-10/fir10-CroftingReformBill.htm

Report on the draft Budget (Scotland) Act 2009 Amendment Order 2010 - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-10/fir10-01.htm

Report on the Financial Memorandum of the Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Bill - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-10/fir10-02.htm

Report on the Financial Memorandum of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-10/fir10-Alcoholetc.htm

Forth Crossing Bill - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-10/fir10-ForthCrossingBill.htm
Finance Committee Official Report 23 February 2010 - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-10/fi10-0502.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 2 March 2010 - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-10/fi10-0602.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 23 March 2010 - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-10/fi10-0802.htm

Consultation is an essential and important aspect of Scottish Government working methods. Given the wide-ranging areas of work of the Scottish Government , there are many varied types of consultation. However, in general consultation exercises aim to provide opportunities for all those who wish to express their opinions on a proposed area of work to do so in ways which will inform and enhance that work. Consultation exercises may involve seeking views in a number of different ways, such as written papers, public meetings, focus groups, questionnaire exercises or on-line discussion forums.

David Whitton MSP for Strathkelvin & Bearsden would like to encourage as many people as possible to have an input into Scottish Government Consultations

The views and suggestions detailed in consultation responses are analysed and used as part of the decision-making process.

Depending on the nature of the consultation exercise, the responses received may:

* indicate the need for further policy development or review
* inform the development of a particular policy
* help decisions to be made between alternative policy proposals
* be used to finalise legislation before it is implemented

Below is a list of some recent Scottish Government consultations started recently.

Scotland's Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/303348/0095138.pdf

Consultation Paper on the Consolidation of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations and Amendments arising from the Better Waste Regulation Exercise: Also incorporating Proposals for: The Transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/303702/0095195.pdf

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: Consultation on draft Order to Modify Designation Order http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/304796/0095646.pdf

Cairngorms National Park: Consultation on draft Order to Modify Designation Order http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/304859/0095657.pdf

Consultation paper on a proposed housing bill: the private rented sector, licensing of mobile home sites and the twenty year rules http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/304701/0095618.pdf

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement - Variation of Level of Penalty Charge Notices http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/918/0096509.pdf

Application to Register the Name 'Scottish Wild Salmon' as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Under the EU Protected Food Name Scheme http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/305128/0095733.pdf

Consultation on Regulations to reduce Primary 1 classes to a maximum of 25 pupils http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/305921/0096029.pdf

Provision of stoma appliances: Consultation on the terms of the tenders to be issued for the provision of stoma appliances to NHS Scotland for the period 2010-12 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/307035/0096529.pdf

Applications to provide NHS Pharmaceutical Services: Review of the Control of Entry Arrangements http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/307011/0096527.pdf

Double Jeopardy: Consultation Paper http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/307091/0096535.pdf
Towards a Low Carbon Economy for Scotland: Appendix http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/307112/0096539.pdf

Bill Tracker
A number of constituents have requested more detail about the Bills being passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 34) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/34-AlcoholEtc/b34s3-introd.pdf
Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 41) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/41-ChildrensHearing/b41s3-introd.pdf

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 24) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/b24s3-introd.pdf

End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 38) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/38-EndLifeAssist/b38s3-introd.pdf

Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 27) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/27-InterpretLegRef/b27s3-introd.pdf

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Manjinder Shergill
Constituency Manager to David Whitton MSP
(MON-WED & FRI) Constituency - 78 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NZ
Tel & Fax: (0141) 777 9299
(THURS ONLY) Parliament - MG09 Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Tel: (0131) 348 6748 Fax: (0131) 348 6749
WWW.davidwhittonmsp.org.uk
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Reproduced from an email sent by Manjinder Shergill, acting on behalf of David Whitton MSP, both at 78 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NZ

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