Over the last two weeks 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.

Local Government Finance Settlement 26/11/09  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1126-02.htm#Col21572

Getting It Right For Every Child 03/12/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1203-02.htm#Col21904

Please find below motions recently signed by David Whitton MSP
3M-05354 Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to the West End’s Community Champions— That the Parliament congratulates all those from Glasgow’s west end who took part in this year’s Evening Times Community Champion Awards at Drumchapel Community Centre; commends the Drumchapel Citizens Advice Bureau, Allan Hamilton, the West End Diversionary Project, the Dumbarton Road Corridor Peer Education Programme, Donald Hewitson and Jimmy Young on their awards; recognises the outstanding achievements of all those who were nominated, and thanks The Evening Times and its partner organisations, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Glasgow City Council, for organising the awards to recognise the outstanding efforts of those who work throughout the year to make Glasgow such a fine city.

S3M-05353 Robert Brown (Glasgow) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): Success of Scottish Scouting— That the Parliament congratulates the Scout movement on another successful year delivering an exciting and adventurous programme to young people in almost 600 local Scout groups across Scotland; commends the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who support the movement; is greatly encouraged by the increase in membership numbers for a third consecutive year, including a 12% rise in female youth members, and believes that, with almost 37,000 members across the country, Scottish Scouting makes a huge contribution not only to the young people involved but also to communities around Scotland as a whole.

S3M-05336# Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish Labour): St Margaret of Scotland Hospice— That the Parliament notes with deep concern the decision of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to remove the funding for 30 continuing care beds from the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank by 2013, which will impact adversely on the service model provided by the hospice’s dedicated staff as well as on the hospice’s finances; notes that this decision came immediately after an inspection by the Care Commission that rated provision at the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice as being excellent on every indicator, and believes that the approach adopted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in its dealings with the hospice is unacceptable.

S3M-05333 Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to Neil Kinnock— That the Parliament welcomes the decision of Glasgow Caledonian University to award an honorary degree to Neil Kinnock, former European Commissioner and leader of the Labour Party, in recognition of Mr Kinnock’s outstanding contribution as a politician, statesman and champion of increased educational opportunities for those previously denied them. R

S3M-05332 Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): Big Lottery Fund, Tackling Need in Scotland— That the Parliament notes the announcement by the Big Lottery Fund that it will spend £400 million in Scotland in the next five years; welcomes the fact that the Big Lottery Fund will now have £50 million more to commit to projects next year than expected; recognises that this increased resource, directed to tackle need and disadvantage in the Glasgow Pollok constituency, across Glasgow and throughout Scotland, represents a great opportunity to challenge inequality, and would welcome a clear link between spending decisions on this lottery windfall and the commitment given by Scottish Ministers in Scottish Policy Directions for 2009-2015 to the Big Lottery Fund “to address the priorities of tackling disadvantage, the advancement of well-being and addressing inequalities”.

S3M-05328# Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): 40 Years of the Open University— That the Parliament congratulates the Open University on its 40th year; recognises the key role that Harold Wilson and Jennie Lee played in developing the Open University; supports the positive work that the university does in Scotland as an accessible and innovative way for people to fulfil their ambitions for lifelong learning and social mobility, providing learning opportunities to the widest possible range of people and contributing to Scotland's economic development; notes that it is now the United Kingdom's largest university, teaching almost 200,000 students a year and, since opening in 1969, it has helped over two million people realise their potential; notes the central role that part-time higher education, such as that delivered by the Open University, has to play in supporting upskilling and reskilling in Scotland’s workforce, and considers that appropriately resourced part-time flexible learning has the potential to make an even more significant contribution to supporting Scotland’s skills agenda and to promoting educational opportunity and social justice.

S3M-05327 John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Shipweld 2009— That the Parliament congratulates the Rosyth-based Babcock apprentices, Ryan Rice and Liam McBride, on winning the 2009 Shipweld best yard competition held at Barrow on 12 November 2009; notes that the competition featured yards from across the United Kingdom, including Portsmouth, the Clyde and Barrow; further notes that entrants faced a series of craft challenges designed to test key welding requirements for the manufacture of surface and subsurface vessels; recognises the skills and techniques demonstrated by all the apprentice welders in the competition; welcomes the Shipweld competition’s contribution to promoting skills development and safe working practices, and looks forward to further success for Scottish apprentices in future competitions.

S3M-05294# Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): STUC Women, Working to Improve Women's Lives— That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Committee on its recent conference, bringing together women trade unionists from across Scotland to debate the key economic and social issues facing women in the Pollok constituency, across Glasgow and throughout Scotland; acknowledges the important role played by Scottish women trade unionists in campaigning for greater representation of women at every level of government, in public bodies and in the private sector; recognises the importance of addressing the impact of economic recession on women’s lives, and believes that tackling disadvantage and inequality must be high in policy and budget priorities.

S3M-05293 Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to Maria Fyfe— That the Parliament congratulates Maria Fyfe on her recent special award from the Scottish Trades Union Congress Women's Conference; notes her critical role in the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and in her championing of 50:50 representation of women in the Scottish Parliament, and believes that the most fitting legacy for her long-term commitment to equal pay, the rights of women workers and equality for women would be to see a refreshed determination to secure increased representation for women at every level of government, in public bodies and in industry and to ensure greater priority for the rights of women at home, in the community and at work.

S3M-05278 Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Scottish Labour): Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland— That the Parliament notes the evaluation by EKOS of the work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) in Scotland over the last 10 years; welcomes the channelling of more than £15 million over that period into coalfield areas by the CRT in Scotland; notes that for every £1 of CRT investment in project activity since 2005, an additional £1.37 of funding from other sources has been secured; is concerned that despite the excellent work of the CRT the study found that deprivation in Scotland is still disproportionately concentrated in coalfield communities, with particular inequalities evident in relation to income, employment and skills, and considers that further investment is needed in Scotland’s former coalfield communities if the economic and social challenges in these areas are to be fully addressed.

S3M-05277 Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Scottish Labour): Scottish Women's Aid Census— That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Scottish Women’s Aid census day statistics, collected over a 24-hour period on 24 September 2009; notes that, on this day, Women’s Aid groups across Scotland supported 642 women and 307 children and young people, that 412 women and 391 children and young people needed the safety of women’s aid refuge, that 31 of the 47 women who requested refuge on this day could not be accommodated and that 12 had to be turned away due to a lack of space; notes that 101 women contacted Women’s Aid for the first time on this day; reaffirms the importance of Women’s Aid’s specialist support for women; expresses concern about the removal of ring-fenced funding and the increased funding pressures that local authorities face, and calls for a stronger commitment, matched by funding, to ensure that women, children and young people can live their lives safe in the knowledge that they will be supported by specialist domestic abuse services.

S3M-05264 Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Scottish Labour): 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women— That the Parliament recognises that Wednesday 25 November 2009 will mark the beginning of the 16 days of Activism Against Violence Against Women; notes that the event runs from Wednesday 25 November until 10 December, International Human Rights Day; notes that this event is held over these dates to symbolically link violence against women with human rights and to underline that such violence is a direct violation of human rights; acknowledges that, since 1991, over 2,000 organisations in approximately 156 countries have participated in the 16 Days campaign, and calls on representatives, the local community and organisations across the country to continue to work together to raise awareness of violence against women as well as to tackle the underlying social, economic and cultural causes of gender-based violence.

S3M-05202 Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Scottish Labour): Safety First— That the Parliament welcomes the new rail service between Glasgow and Edinburgh via the Airdrie to Bathgate route and the continued electrification of the railway in Scotland; is alarmed, however, that proposals to remove the guards from this service and introduce driver only operation (DOO) are coupled with the reopening of this route; is deeply concerned that this will increase safety risks because passengers will not benefit from the protection of having a guard responsible for the safe running of the train, including controlling the doors and emergencies such as driver incapacity, failure of train safety systems and derailments; further shares the view of the STUC Women’s Conference that the proposed introduction of DOO on the service demonstrates that the safety concerns of women passengers have not been adequately addressed; is further concerned that this decision breaches previous assurances to the trade unions that there would be no extension of DOO in Scotland and believes that this could be the thin end of the wedge leading to the removal of guards on other routes; considers that retaining the guards would cost less than the salary of First ScotRail’s highest-paid director and less than 5% of the company’s most recent post-tax profits, and therefore urges the Scottish Government and First ScotRail to put safety and passengers before profit and keep guards on these services.

David Whitton MSP is a member of the Finance Committee.
Please find below a link to the official report of recent meetings
6th Report, 2009 (Session 3) The draft Budget (Scotland) Act 2009 Amendment Order 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-06.htm

Report on the Financial Memorandum of the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-HomeOwnerBill.htm

Report on scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2010-11 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-07-vol1-02.htm#report

Stage 1 Report on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-08-vol1.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 24 November 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2702.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.
Consultation on new fire safety guidance for small bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation ( Closing 18/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/293671/0090733.pdf

Draft guidance on partnership working between allied health professions and education: Working together to improve outcomes for children and young people: (Closing 04/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/294002/0090822.pdf

Freedom of Information: Revised Code of Practice for Scottish Public Authorities (Closing 02/03/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/294991/0091283.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
Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 29) (Stage 1 to be completed 29/01/10) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/29-dogControl/b29s3-introd.pdf

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 24) (Stage 1 completed by 26/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/b24s3-introd.pdf

Forth Crossing Bill (SP Bill 33) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/33-ForthCrossing/b33s3-introd.pdf
Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 32) (Stage 1 to be completed by 18/12/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/32-homeOwner/b32s3-introd.

Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 27) (Stage 1 to be completed by 16/01/10) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/27-InterpretLegRef/b27s3-introd.pdf

Legal Services (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 30) (Stage 1 to be complete by 26/03/10) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/30-legalServices/b30s3-introd.pdf

Marine (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 25) (Stage 2 completed 02/12/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/25-MarineScot/b25s3-introd.pdf

Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 26) (Stage 1 to be completed by 08/01/10) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/26-PubSerRef/b26s3-introd.pdf

Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 22) (Stage 2 completed by 26/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/22-TobacPrimMedSer/b22as3-stage2-amend.pdf

Ure Elder Fund Transfer and Dissolution Bill (SP Bill 31) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/31-ureElder/b31s3-introd.pdf

The following links are to proposals for Members Bills.
David Whitton MSP would welcome anyone's comments or views on any of the proposed members bills.

Proposal for a Bill to improve access to justice and available remedies for victims of domestic abuse http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/MembersBills/documents/RhodaGrantConsultationFINALVERSION.pdf

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Over the last few weeks 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

Skills - 04/11/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1104-02.htm
Arbitration (Scotland) Bill - 18/11/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1118-02.htm#Col21286

Non-domestic Rates (Relief Scheme) - 19/11/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1119-02.htm

Please find below motions recently signed by David Whitton MSP
S3M-05244 Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Scottish Labour): Big Lottery Boost for Newmains— That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that Newmains in North Lanarkshire has been selected as one of five areas to benefit from a share of £9 million pounds of Big Lottery funding; notes that the new multi-million funding programme, Our Place, is aimed at regenerating five communities in Scotland that have not seen the expected level of lottery grants over the last three years; welcomes the emphasis in the Our Place programme of ensuring that the needs and aspirations of local people are reflected in the lottery funding that they receive, and believes that this announcement is excellent news for the people of Newmains and that it will make a real and significant difference to the local community.

S3M-05234 Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish Labour): Glasgow Credit Union Strategy Conference— That the Parliament welcomes the Glasgow Credit Union Strategy Conference that took place on 19 November 2009; congratulates the organisers on the launch of a new promotional credit union DVD; further recognises the discussion on the role that credit unions in Scotland play in promoting the credit union movement internationally, and calls on all levels of government to support the continued development of credit unions.

S3M-05186 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Living Wage Outrage— That the Parliament condemns SNP-controlled West Dunbartonshire Council for voting down a motion that would have introduced a living wage of £7 an hour for its poorest workers; understands that the motion proposed by Labour councillors called on West Dunbartonshire Council to follow the example of Glasgow City Council and implement a living wage of £7 an hour for the 200 staff who earn less than this amount; notes that the cost of implementing this policy would be approximately £140,000 per year, less than half of the cost that the council was reported to be considering paying its outgoing chief executive earlier this year, and calls on Scottish ministers to support the Scottish Living Wage campaign, unlike their SNP colleagues in West Dunbartonshire.

S3M-05152 Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): Congratulations to Calum Macintyre— That the Parliament warmly congratulates Calum Macintyre from Kinross High School who, at 16, has become the youngest person to climb to the summit of Ama Dablam, which is one of the most technically difficult mountains in the Himalayas, and pays tribute to him and all his colleagues in Team Ascent who, in the course of their mountaineering adventures, have raised money for cancer charities.

S3M-05148 Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): Concern over the Future of Glencraft— That the Parliament notes with concern the fears expressed by the management of Glencraft that Aberdeen City Council may not support its modified business plan, which could result in the Glencraft factory that provides employment for blind and other disabled employees closing; recognises that the organisation has transformed the lives of its employees and has received funding from successive councils for decades; notes with concern that this is the second time in two years that the current administration has threatened to close the factory; notes with regret the current uncertainty faced by employees of Glencraft who are yet again left facing the prospect of closure; notes the efforts of the trade union, Community, which resulted in the factory being saved from closure, and welcomes its determination to do so again; notes that the issue was raised by Anne Begg MP at Prime Minister’s Questions on 4 November 2009 during which the Prime Minister affirmed his support for Glencraft and highlighted the importance of helping those most in need of support; notes that an emergency meeting of Glencraft’s board of governors has been arranged for 6 November 2009, and urges Aberdeen City Council to work cooperatively with the board or management of Glencraft and Community to secure a sustainable future for Glencraft.

S3M-05134 Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish Labour): Commonwealth Games Fitness Challenge— That the Parliament congratulates Playbusters on developing Connecting Generations Commonwealth Games Fitness Challenge, a programme that aims to bring together both old and young for sporting activities; recognises its efforts to increase fitness levels, break down generational barriers and raise awareness of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; further recognises the Big Lottery Fund for its generous grant to start the programme, and wishes Playbusters well in the continuing good work it does in the east end of Glasgow.

S3M-05121 Liam McArthur (Orkney) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): Dan Buglass— That the Parliament notes with great regret the death of Dan Buglass, who, for over three decades, has been a leading Scottish agricultural journalist serving, with distinction, both the print and broadcast sections of the media; recognises the vital role played by agricultural journalists, not only in serving the needs of farmers and others in the industry, but also in educating and informing the general public and so helping to build bridges of understanding between Scotland’s largely urban population and one of its most important industries, a role in which Dan Buglass excelled; believes that Scotland’s agricultural world will be a duller place without his presence at shows and other trade events, and offers its condolences to his family on their loss.

S3M-05101 Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Think Positive, Tackling Mental Ill Health among Students in Scotland— That the Parliament notes that 4 November 2009 is National Stress Awareness Day; considers stress to be a contributing factor to mental ill health among students in Scotland; considers that around 160,000 students in Scotland currently at college or university will experience mental ill health; believes that great effort should be taken to improve mental health among students in Scotland, and congratulates NUS Scotland’s Think Positive project for its work in raising awareness of student mental ill health among students, university and college staff and the general public.

S3M-05099# Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to the West Highland Free Press— That the Parliament congratulates the West Highland Free Press (WHFP) on becoming Britain's first employee-owned newspaper; applauds the founders of the WHFP in practising what they preach both in their radical stewardship of the paper for the last 37 years and in their present support for this new form of ownership for the paper; recognises the significance of the WHFP since 1972 in informing and shaping political, cultural, social and community debate on issues close to the hearts of the people of the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland and in sustaining its commitment to its motto, An Tir, An Canan, sna' Daoine - The Land, The Language, The People; wishes its new owners every success, and trusts that it will serve as an example to other businesses to develop employee ownership initiatives where possible.

S3M-05082 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): International Brain Tumour Awareness Week and World Walk— That the Parliament notes that 1 to 7 November 2009 is International Brain Tumour Awareness Week; recognises the work in Scotland in developing the managed care network; congratulates the record number of 176 brain tumour and cancer-related organisations that have supported the International Brain Tumour Alliance’s week and walk this year, and also notes that, with dozens of events planned and a combined total of 150,598 walking kilometres achieved to date, they are in sight of the World Walk target of 200,000 kilometres, equivalent to going round the world at the equator five times.

S3M-05081# Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Citizens Advice Scotland Debt Findings— That the Parliament welcomes the new research findings by Citizens Advice Scotland that set out the barriers and problems faced by vulnerable groups such as lone parents, older people, young people and sick and disabled people in Scotland in relation to debt as well as creditor behaviour; notes that the findings show that four in 10 clients have gone without essentials in order to try to cope with their debt, while one in four clients has borrowed further credit to pay existing debt; notes that two fifths of debt clients reported being pressurised or harassed by their creditors; further notes that two thirds of debt clients said that they would consider going bankrupt in order to manage their debt; believes that schemes such as the Low Income Low Asset (LILA) scheme and the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) should be made fully accessible to debtors who are stuck in a cycle of debt and that the £100 fee for accessing the LILA route into bankruptcy should be abolished as only one in five clients said they could unconditionally afford it; further believes that more affordable mainstream credit should be made available to low-income groups; commends the work of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Dumbarton and bureaux across Scotland in providing free, impartial and confidential frontline advice to all who need it, and would welcome the provision of sustained funding for agencies such as Citizens Advice in order to address the growing demand for such advice.

S3M-05072 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to Thompsons Solicitors— That the Parliament congratulates Thompsons Solicitors on its recognition as Scotland’s top legal firm in 2009; notes that the law firm earned this prestigious accolade last month in the Law Awards of Scotland 2009, organised by The Firm magazine; understands that the personal injury specialists have represented hundreds of families who have lost family members to asbestos and related illnesses, and appreciates the hard work that Thompsons is currently undertaking with the C.diff Justice Group, representing many of the families of the people who were affected by the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

S3M-05055 Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Let's Show Racists the Red Card— That the Parliament notes that 16 to 31 October 2009 marks Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Fortnight of Action; welcomes the fact that all 42 clubs playing at the professional level in Scotland were involved in a weekend of action on 24 and 25 October through on-pitch activities and that £10,000 in grants has been distributed to help 22 community-based initiatives organise a variety of events to promote tolerance; believes that Scottish football, both at club and international level, has benefited hugely from the participation of players born outside of Scotland; abhors the treatment of players who have been racially abused at grounds across Scotland, and unequivocally affirms that racism has no place in Scottish society.

S3M-05054 George Foulkes (Lothians) (Scottish Labour): Fireworks and Furry Friends— That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s (SSPCA) campaign to change the law on the use of fireworks; notes that the law currently allows people to use fireworks any day of the week between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm with no regard to the impact on domestic and wild animals; notes that a dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as a human’s and a cat’s is three times as sensitive; believes that the use of fireworks should be restricted to festivals and special events, such as 5 November, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Diwali; considers that this would ensure that pet owners could plan to keep pets indoors, and calls on the general public to ensure that fireworks are used carefully and responsibly, recognising the obvious dangers to both people and animals.

S3M-05044 Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Scottish Labour): Mail Delivery Service— That the Parliament regrets the decision by Procurement Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, to remove business from Royal Mail; believes that this decision will cause further difficulties for Royal Mail in trying to sustain a public delivery service in every part of Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to review this decision to ensure that all such decisions taken are compatible with support for public delivery services in every community in Scotland.

S3M-05032 Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): Charities Banking on Lloyds— That the Parliament calls on the Lloyds Banking Group to provide the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland with a funding package that will enable it to continue its valuable grant-making activities in Scotland; notes that, since the establishment of the foundation in 1985, a covenant has dictated that this organisation, alongside three other autonomous foundations that cover the rest of the United Kingdom, receives a share of 1% of the Lloyds Banking Group’s pre-tax profits per annum; understands that the Lloyds Banking Group has stated that it will have no profit this year and, as such, will not be providing revenue to the foundations, although the group has offered reduced interim funding subject to changes in the structure of the foundations; supports the proposal from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland that it receive an advance of funding, repayable over an agreed timeframe, as this will ensure that the covenant remains intact and the foundation continues to operate as a wholly independent organisation; congratulates the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland for dispensing almost £85 million to charities across Scotland since 1985, and calls on the Lloyds Banking Group to reconsider its position.

S3M-05031 Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Scottish Labour): Thank You to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club— That the Parliament thanks Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, his backroom staff, in particular reserve coach Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, the players and the board of directors who kindly agreed to play Clyde FC in a glamorous friendly at Broadwood Stadium; notes that this was done solely to assist Clyde, which has been enduring financial difficulties for some time; further recognises that this was conducted in the spirit of sportsmanship, and wishes both Clyde and Manchester United every success for the future.

S3M-05026 Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Scottish Labour): CWU Action— That the Parliament notes the outcome of the ballot on industrial action announced by the Communication Workers Union (CWU); recognises the service that Royal Mail staff provide in communities throughout Scotland; welcomes the willingness of the CWU to go to arbitration; believes that the potential disruption to the public and businesses warrants the intervention of ACAS; calls on the major stakeholder in Royal Mail to use its influence to bring both sides together at ACAS, and further calls on Royal Mail to agree to such intervention to allow urgent and meaningful negotiations to help prevent damaging and disruptive action.

S3M-05010# Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Scottish Labour): Celebrating 15 Years of the Fairtrade Foundation in the UK— That the Parliament congratulates the Fairtrade Foundation on 15 years of activity in the United Kingdom; notes that over these 15 years, the number of licensed Fairtrade products has increased from 80 to more than 4,500; welcomes the role of the Fairtrade Foundation in securing a fair deal for farmers and producers in the developing world, ensuring that people have the right to dignity and a decent living through their work; notes that by the end of 2008, it was estimated that 70% of all households purchased at least one Fairtrade product and the total annual retail sales value of Fairtrade products exceeded £712 million, and commends local Fairtrade organisations and Scottish Fairtrade Towns such as Whitburn and Linlithgow in West Lothian for the work that they do in promoting Fairtrade Foundation principles and goods, educating others about the need for a fair deal for farmers and producers in the developing world and working to secure an international trading system that recognises the need for sustainable development and social justice.

S3M-05004 Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish Labour): Vivendi Should Treat Scotch Whisky Pensioners Fairly— That the Parliament expresses concern about the plight of 1,500 former whisky industry workers whose company pensions have been frozen by French media and telecom giant Vivendi in breach of firm undertakings given; condemns Vivendi for its refusal to reinstate annual percentage increases and adding insult to injury by awarding an increase of 77 pence, and calls on Vivendi to treat Scotch whisky pensioners fairly in future.

Please find below motions recently lodged by David Whitton MSP
S3M-05224 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): First Ever Social Enterprise Scotland Awards— That the Parliament notes the first ever Social Enterprise Scotland Awards, which took place on 17 November 2009; congratulates all organisations shortlisted for awards, Alloa Community Enterprises Ltd, Haven Products, the Wise Group, Instant Neighbour, Moray Waste Busters, Social Enterprise Clydebank, the bread maker, Sleat Community Trading and With People; in particular congratulates Alloa Community Enterprises Ltd, Social Enterprise Clydebank and the bread maker for winning their respective categories; further notes that these awards take place as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, during which schools and individual social enterprises across Scotland celebrate this dynamic and fast-growing small business movement, and congratulates the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition for its tireless pursuit and advocacy of social enterprise in Scotland.

Supported by: Mr Frank McAveety, Hugh O'Donnell, Karen Gillon, Nanette Milne, Dr Richard Simpson, Ken Macintosh, Hugh Henry, Bill Butler, Cathy Jamieson, Jackie Baillie, Robin Harper, John Park, Dr Bill Wilson, Liam McArthur, Mary Mulligan, James Kelly, Trish Godman, Sandra White, Christina McKelvie, Karen Whitefield, Stuart McMillan, Claire Baker, Gil Paterson, Des McNulty, Alison McInnes, Mary Scanlon, Marilyn Livingstone, Lewis Macdonald

Lodged on Wednesday, November 18, 2009; Current
S3M-05197 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): Congratulations to Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs— That the Parliament congratulates Clare Reilly and Paul Lyons of Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs, on winning the junior and senior sections of the 21st annual Schools Speech Contest organised by Kirkintilloch Speakers Club and notes the excellent contributions from the other contestants from Bishopbriggs Academy, Lenzie Academy, St Ninian’s High School and Kilsyth Academy, which provided the two runners-up.

Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Ross Finnie, James Kelly, Mary Mulligan, Des McNulty, Bob Doris, Gil Paterson, Pauline McNeill, Trish Godman, Aileen Campbell, Stuart McMillan, Karen Whitefield, Sarah Boyack, Hugh Henry, Helen Eadie

Lodged on Friday, November 13, 2009; Current
S3M-05171.1 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): Apprentices— As an amendment to motion S3M-5171 in the name of Christina McKelvie (Apprentices), leave out from “plans” to end and insert “ambition of the UK Government to ensure that three quarters of people participate in higher education or complete an advanced apprenticeship or equivalent technician-level course by the age of 30; welcomes the publication of Skills for Growth – A national strategy for economic growth and individual prosperity on 11 November 2009; further welcomes the passing of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill and looks forward to the Bill receiving Royal Assent; understands that this Bill provides for a statutory framework for apprenticeships and creates a right to an apprenticeship for suitably qualified 16 to 18-year-olds; further understands that, thanks to this Bill, Scottish workers will benefit from the right to request time off for training; understands that SNP MPs failed to support this Bill in the final stage of its passage through the Houses of Parliament despite this right to request time off for training being supported by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning; considers that, far from implementing savage cuts for apprenticeships and training places, the Skills for Growth strategy will create 35,000 new advanced apprenticeships over the next two years; considers that the 7,800 extra apprenticeship places, the apprenticeship guarantee and the modern apprenticeship summit were agreed by the Scottish Government only following pressure during budget negotiations earlier this year, and welcomes Labour's continued commitment to skills and training for the people of Scotland.”
Lodged on Friday, November 13, 2009; Current
See S3M-05171
S3M-05156 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): Saving 109 Jobs at MacGavigan— That the Parliament notes the saving of 109 jobs at John MacGavigan Ltd in Bishopbriggs, a maker of dashboards and other car-interior products, as a result of a management buy-out by two members of its management team; further notes the help provided by Scottish Enterprise and East Dunbartonshire Council to take MacGavigan out of administration, and wishes the new management and workforce the best of luck in the future.

Supported by: Jackie Baillie, James Kelly, Pauline McNeill, Patricia Ferguson, Mary Mulligan, Joe FitzPatrick, Des McNulty, Stuart McMillan, Gil Paterson, Ken Macintosh, John Park, Cathie Craigie, Elaine Smith, Bill Kidd, Marilyn Livingstone, Trish Godman, Dr Richard Simpson, Mr Frank McAveety, Hugh Henry

Lodged on Monday, November 09, 2009; Current
S3M-05097 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): Local Government Boundary Commission Decision to Keep Princes Gate in East Dunbartonshire— That the Parliament welcomes the revised recommendations published by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland, proposing that Princes Gate housing estate in Bishopbriggs remain within East Dunbartonshire; notes that the revised recommendations will also retain the site to the rear of the Aldi supermarket designated for affordable housing, the loss of which would have had a detrimental effect on East Dunbartonshire Council’s being able to make provision for affordable housing, allow children from Princes Gate the opportunity to continue their education with siblings and friends in East Dunbartonshire Council schools and allow children living in Princes Gate in receipt of special needs provision to continue to receive this from East Dunbartonshire Council social work services; congratulates the residents of Princes Gate for conducting a disciplined and determined campaign to get to this point, and hopes that all residents and elected representatives of Princes Gate residents in East Dunbartonshire Council, the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament make representation to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland prior to the close of consultation on 28 January 2010.

Supported by: Karen Gillon, Des McNulty, Jackie Baillie, Ross Finnie, Gil Paterson, Marilyn Livingstone
Lodged on Friday, October 30, 2009; Current
Please find below questions recently asked by David Whitton MSP
S3W-28396 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Tuesday, October 27, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Vioxx drug produced by American firm Merck is on the list of approved medicines in Scotland; when it was approved, and, if it is no longer on the list, when it was withdrawn.

Answered by Shona Robison (Thursday, November 05, 2009): Vioxx (rofecoxib) was licensed in the UK in 1999. In September 2004, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the worldwide market by the manufacturer Merck & Co, Inc due to the emergence of clinical data indicating an increased risk of thrombotic events, particularly heart attack and stroke.

S3W-28142 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to reducing the salary level for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, given that the remit of the agency has changed and staff numbers reduced.

Answered by Jim Mather (Friday, October 30, 2009): The remuneration package was set at the beginning of the recruitment process by Scottish Enterprise in consultation with Scottish ministers. The package was established using the Scottish Government''s Public Sector Pay Policy for Senior Appointments.

This was arrived at taking account of a Hay Group job size evaluation completed in October 2008. That independent, market-facing review considered the chief executive role as it is now, after the implementation of the enterprise network reforms announced in September 2007.

S3W-28141 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to removing the bonus element from the remuneration package for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Answered by Jim Mather (Wednesday, November 04, 2009): A bonus to a maximum of 10% of salary is included in the remuneration package to incentivise and reward exceptional performance by the chief executive. The bonus payment is non-consolidated, non-pensionable and requires the Scottish Government''s approval which will be subject to clear evidence demonstrating exceptional performance being available.

I have asked chairs of public bodies covered by the Scottish Government''s Public Sector Pay Policy for Senior Appointments to invite chief executives to consider, in light of the current economic climate, waiving, on a voluntary basis, some or all of any bonus that may be due to them.

The previous post-holder was entitled to a bonus of up to 12.5% of salary; the new chief executive''s maximum bonus of 10% is in line with the exceptional performance reward available to other chief executives under the Scottish Government''s Public Sector Pay Policy for Senior Appointments.

S3W-28140 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive who decided on the details of the remuneration package for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Answered by Jim Mather (Friday, October 30, 2009): Under the Enterprise and New Towns Act, ministers must be consulted on remuneration for the chief executive. In considering remuneration, ministers took into account the Scottish Government''s Public Sector Pay Policy for Senior Appointments, together with advice from the Scottish Government''s Remuneration Group.

S3W-28139 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for the recently filled post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise; how many were internal candidates, and how many were from abroad.

Answered by Jim Mather (Friday, October 30, 2009): Recruitment is a matter for Scottish Enterprise in line with Scottish Government''s guidance on Appointment and Remuneration of Chief Executives. I have asked the Scottish Enterprise Chairman to write to you in this regard.

David Whitton MSP is a member of the Finance Committee.
Please find below a link to the official report of recent meetings
Finance Committee Official Report 27 October 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2402.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 9 November 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2502.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 17 November 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2602.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.
Proposal to Modify the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Designation Order (Closing 18/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/289279/0088516.pdf

Proposal to Modify the Cairngorms National Park Designation Order (Closing 18/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/289283/0088518.pdf

• Consultation on a new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Livestock: Meat Chickens and Breeding Chickens (Clossing 29/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/289212/0088492.pdf

Regulated Work with Children Order (Closing 02/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/290809/0089366.pdf
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 - Draft Guidance (Closing 02/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/290841/0089369.pdf

Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005: Consultation on Options for the Implementation of the Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) (Closing 26/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/292195/0090094.pdf

a national approach to anti-bullying for Scotland's children and young people (Closing 26/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/292041/0090031.pdf

The Councillors' Code Of Conduct Proposal for Amendments to be made to the Councillors' Code of Conduct Consultation Paper (Closing 18/02/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/292572/0090248.pdf

Bill Tracker
A number of constituents have requested more detail about the Bills being passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Arbitration (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 19) (Bill Passed 18/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/19-Arbitration/b19bs3-aspassed.pdf

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 24) (Stage 1 to be completed by 27/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/b24s3-introd.pdf

Forth Crossing Bill (SP Bill 33) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/33-ForthCrossing/b33s3-introd.pdf
Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 32) (Stage 1 to be completed by 18/12/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/32-homeOwner/b32s3-introd.pdf

Marine (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 25) (Stage 2 to be completed by 04/12/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/25-MarineScot/b25s3-introd.pdf

Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 26) (Stage 1 to be completed by 18/12/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/26-PubSerRef/b26s3-introd.pdf

Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 23) ( Bill passed 19/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/23-Schools/b23bs3-aspassed.pdf

Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 22) (Stage 2 to be completed by 26/11/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/22-TobacPrimMedSer/b22as3-stage2-amend.pdf

Ure Elder Fund Transfer and Dissolution Bill (SP Bill 31) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/31-ureElder/b31s3-introd.pdf

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Over the last few weeks 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

Diageo - 17/09/09
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0917-02.htm#Col19707

Teachers - 24/09/09
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0924-02.htm#Col19911

Equal pay in Local Government - 01/10/09
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1001-02.htm#Col20152
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1001-02.htm#Col20184

Civil Justice - 08/10/09
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor1008-02.htm#Col20484

Please find below motions recently signed by David Whitton MSP

S3M-05015 Jack McConnell (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Scottish Labour): Action for Children— That the Parliament welcomes Action for Children’s campaign to raise awareness about the significant impact of neglect in the lives of vulnerable and difficult-to-reach children across the United Kingdom; considers that neglect leaves children without basic needs, from love and support to food and clothing; notes that serious neglect kills children in the UK and that neglect can have long-term effects on the wellbeing of children and their families and on society as a whole; also notes the key findings of the recent joint Action for Children/New Economics Foundation report, Backing the Future, that governments across the UK could do more to invest efficiently in the future of society through children and families and to address preventable social problems such as the breakdown of family relationships, drug misuse and crime, which can all lead to neglect; recognises studies suggesting that up to 10% of all children in the UK could currently be suffering from neglect and supports more of the targeted interventions that are known to work to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and can help tackle the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage, and calls on governments across the UK to give greater priority to tackling neglect through early intervention and to target expenditure on public services that prevent neglect and give children every opportunity to realise their potential.

S3M-04994 Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Scottish Labour): STV-ITV Dispute— That the Parliament notes with concern the current dispute between STV and ITV; further notes the impact that the loss of programmes has on Scottish viewers, and calls on all parties to resolve this dispute urgently in the best interests of the Scottish public.

S3M-04992 Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Scottish Labour): Trade Union Week— That the Parliament recognises the central role of the trade union movement in the campaign for a Scottish parliament and its continuing contribution throughout the first decade of devolution; welcomes the participation and involvement of the trade union movement in the Scottish parliamentary process and, in particular, the constructive engagement with parliamentarians and staff that is reinforced through Trade Union Week; congratulates the STUC on its Agenda for Rebuilding Collective Prosperity, which argues for a new economic architecture that reconnects a strong flexible economy to the living standards of all, with more income equality, sustainable and healthy jobs, investment in manufacturing, housing and green technologies, a strong, innovative public sector delivering equality of opportunity and outcome and a just transition to a greener economy built on fairer international development, and believes that the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government should work with trade unions and encourage others in the voluntary, public and private sectors to work together to create a vibrant economy based on principles of equality, fair taxation, strong public services, sustainable employment and support for a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

S3M-04989 John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): A Fair Pay Deal for Fife Council's Lowest Earners— That the Parliament welcomes calls for Fife Council’s top earners’ pay to be frozen immediately for three years instead of a pay freeze across the council workforce, which would hit the lowest earners the hardest; notes the current disparity in salaries within Fife Council, where last year the chief executive earned nearly £150,000 while the median salary for full-time staff was £22,682; further notes with alarm a persisting pay gap in Fife Council whereby last year the median salary for full-time male staff was £25,329 while for full-time female staff it was only £18,541; is concerned that, while frontline staff are in their third year of a pay freeze due to single status, chief officers have a three-year pay deal worth a 2.5% increase in each year that has seen the chief executive receive a rise this year of £3,657 and executive directors an increase of £2,655, and urges Fife Council to ensure that, at this time, the needs of its lowest earners are put first in any pay-related savings measures, considering that the impact of a three-year pay freeze for its lowest earners would mean considerable hardship, whereas for its chief officers the impact would hardly be felt, if at all.

S3M-04984# Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Happy Birthday Citizens Advice Bureaux— That the Parliament congratulates the Citizens Advice service on its 70th anniversary; commends the vital work that Scotland’s 83 Citizens Advice Bureaux, 222 service points, staff and over 2,000 volunteers carry out in providing free, impartial and confidential advice to all; considers that such good quality advice on issues such as benefits, debt, employment, housing and consumer affairs is increasingly necessary in today’s society and that bureaux are often the first point of contact for people worried about these problems; recognises the need for bureaux in communities across the country, including Drumchapel where the bureau last year obtained benefits and debt-related financial gains of nearly £3.5 million for its clients thanks to the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers; acknowledges that the use of client evidence allows Citizens Advice Bureaux and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) to speak with authority and relevance on changing social issues from both a local and national perspective, such as the recent Drowning in Debt report; thanks the departing chair of CAS, the Rev Graham Blount, for his contribution over the duration of his term in office, and wishes all of Scotland’s bureaux continued success in the years to come.

S3M-04975 Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Scottish Labour): Breaking Down Barriers— That the Parliament welcomes Community trade union’s Breaking Down Barriers campaign, which highlights the need for employment opportunities for everyone in Scotland; fully supports the call for a dedicated champion for disabled workers who will ensure that officials involved in public procurement effectively use Article 19 of the EU public sector procurement directive to encourage contracts to be awarded to sheltered workshops; recognises the important role that supported factories and businesses play in getting disabled people into the labour market, and looks forward to increased protection of this vital aspect of employment and training opportunities in Scotland.

S3M-04972 John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Technician Training Scheme— That the Parliament welcomes the 1,000th apprentice to complete the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Technician Training Scheme; notes that the training scheme is the oil and gas industry’s response to the need for a competent, stable and flexible technician workforce to meet its current and future needs and is a partnership between Oil & Gas UK, the Offshore Contractors Association, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and OPITO - The Oil & Gas Academy; further notes that the industry has invested more than £73 million in the scheme, which creates around 100 positions annually on the four-year course, and congratulates the scheme on achieving a 91% retention rate; further welcomes the development of a fully integrated industry approach to attracting new talent that provides a visible and long-term commitment to technician training in the United Kingdom, and hopes that the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Technician Training Scheme will continue to play a vital role in securing a competent, reliable and highly skilled workforce to meet future production in the North Sea.

S3M-04970# Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Scottish Labour): The Food Train Rides Out— That the Parliament congratulates the Food Train on its success over the past 14 years in providing low-cost grocery deliveries to people unable to shop for themselves; notes that the service, which was originally offered to pensioners in the town of Dumfries, is now on offer across Dumfries and Galloway; further notes that the constitution of the Food Train was changed on 2 October 2009 to enable the service to expand to other parts of Scotland; congratulates the Food Train on delivering 15,000 grocery orders to almost 600 households in the past year, and wishes the charity well in its plans to extend its services across Scotland.

S3M-04933 Marilyn Livingstone (Kirkcaldy) (Scottish Labour): The Scotland-Malawi College Partnership— That the Parliament supports the Scotland-Malawi Partnership project; commends Adam Smith College for taking the lead in the Scotland’s Colleges International consortium in hosting the recent study tour of 12 Malawian college principals to Scotland as part of the partnership between the vocational colleges in the two countries; recognises that the aim of the study tour was to provide the Malawian principals with a greater insight into the Scottish approach to vocational educational training development and delivery; acknowledges that experienced practitioners from Scotland’s Colleges have actively engaged in sharing their experience and expertise with Malawian staff while undertaking essential learning for their own professional development; congratulates Adam Smith College for hosting events throughout the study tour to raise funds to assist young people in Malawi to attend their local vocational college, to gain skills that will equip them for employment and to help support themselves, their families and their local communities, and looks forward to further supportive links with Malawi such as through the Kofi Annan Adam Smith Scholarship Fund.

S3M-04916 Jack McConnell (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Scottish Labour): Bill Speirs— That the Parliament notes with regret the sad death of Bill Speirs, former General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the architects of devolution; celebrates his distinguished career throughout which Mr Speirs always put the interests of Scotland before narrow party or sectoral interests; acknowledges that his role in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Constitutional Convention was invaluable; believes that he was a committed internationalist and a successful campaigner through connecting culture and politics; salutes his leadership and vision as an inspiration to a generation of Scots while he made a significant personal contribution to Scotland's national life, including representing trade union members in difficult years, and sends condolences to his family at this sad time.

S3M-04915 Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Scottish Labour): Industrial Action at Capita— That the Parliament notes the industrial action being taken on 23 and 24 September 2009 by Unite members working for Capita Hartshead in Glasgow; considers that Unite members were previously forced into a one-day strike on 19 July 2009; is concerned that some of the lowest paid workers in the finance sector are compelled to take this action at a company that saw an 18% increase in operating profit in 2008 to £320 million and whose chief executive is the 9th highest paid chief executive in the United Kingdom, with earnings of £9.9 million according to The Guardian's executive pay survey 2009, and calls on Capita to resolve this dispute with its workforce as soon as possible.

S3M-04895 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Stirling University Named Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year— That the Parliament congratulates the University of Stirling on being named by The Sunday Times as Scottish University of the Year 2009-10 and notes that this accolade comes on top of being ranked first in the Research Assessment Exercise 2008 for sports research and for nursing and midwifery research, best in the United Kingdom for a “good place to be” in the International Student Barometer for 2007 and 2008 and first in Scotland for sports facilities and services in The Times Good University Guide 2008.

S3M-04882# Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Don't Derail GARL— That the Parliament regrets the proposal in the SNP government’s draft budget, published on 17 September 2009, to drop the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) project; considers that the proposed cut is short-sighted, given that a new airport rail link would provide Glasgow with a direct connection to three international airports and would contribute in a positive fashion to the economic development of Glasgow and west central Scotland, especially at this difficult time; believes that the rail link is an indispensable component of a modern 21st century transport infrastructure for the whole of Scotland; considers that GARL will boost public transport and reduce the number of car journeys to the airport; further considers that the promise to have GARL in place was a vital consideration in the awarding of the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, and hopes that, in the course of the budget process, wiser counsel prevails.

S3M-04880 John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Rok Apprentice Awards— That the Parliament notes the annual apprentice awards ceremony being held by Rok Group in Dunkeld on 21 September 2009; congratulates the 160 apprentices attending the ceremony who have completed their apprenticeships with the company; welcomes the commitment that has been shown to supporting and developing the apprentices to achieve their full potential and learn a diverse range of trades that are vital to the future of the building and maintenance sector in Scotland; is pleased that high profile companies such as Rok are recognising the importance of continuing to train apprentices and take on redundant apprentices to develop the skilled workforce of the future, and wishes all the successful apprentices well for their future careers.

S3M-04858 Tom McCabe (Hamilton South) (Scottish Labour): Tomorrow's People, 25th Anniversary in Scotland— That the Parliament congratulates the national employment charity, Tomorrow’s People, on its 25th anniversary in Scotland; notes that, since its inception in 1984, the charity has been operating in deprived communities across the central belt of Scotland, helping over 10,000 long-term unemployed people on their journeys back into work; acknowledges that, in this time, Tomorrow’s People has been very focused on the plight of socially-excluded and marginalised young people, running successful programmes for 16 to 24-year-olds since 1999; applauds its announcement that, over the next five years, it will expand its Working It Out programme into four new areas across the central belt and Ayrshire; recognises that this programme focuses on disadvantaged young people who have left school with no formal qualifications or who have been involved in drugs, gangs or alcohol-related crime and gives them the opportunity to learn new skills through working on projects in their local communities, and further congratulates Tomorrow’s People on giving these young people the confidence and self-belief to help them change their lives forever and get out of the dangerous cycle of unemployment and crime that many find themselves in today.

S3M-04852# Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Scottish Labour): Charter of Rights for People with Dementia in Scotland— That the Parliament welcomes the principle of a charter of rights for people with dementia, as proposed by the Cross-Party Group on Alzheimer’s; believes that changing attitudes and practices that deny people with dementia their rights is a major challenge facing health and social care groups; notes the recent publication of a number of reports that have highlighted the inefficiencies in the quality of care for people with dementia in the community, in care homes and in long-term hospital care, including the Care Commission report, Better care, every step of the way, and the joint report by the Care Commission and Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, Remember, I’m Still Me; notes the consultation undertaken over the summer to give people with dementia, their carers, health professionals and care home staff, among other stakeholders, an opportunity to express their views on the issues that they believe a charter should address; welcomes the commitment of Alzheimer Scotland to enable stakeholders to participate by organising roadshows in Irvine, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness; acknowledges that the charter of rights is based on internationally agreed human rights and is intended to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights of people with dementia and their carers, and therefore welcomes the idea of a charter as both an instrument for enabling culture change and as a tool to empower people with dementia.

S3M-04846 Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central) (Scottish Labour): People's Postcode Lottery Raises Over £3.2 Million for Good Causes— That the Parliament congratulates People’s Postcode Lottery on raising over £3.2 million for its charity partners since its launch in January 2008; notes that the five charity partners, Children 1st, Maggie’s, Missing People (in Scotland), Scottish Wildlife Trust and the recently created People’s Postcode Trust, have all benefited from substantial financial support, which, in many cases, has allowed them to consolidate and build on their existing services; looks forward to the further development of the People’s Postcode Trust, which has already begun to provide financial support to a number of grassroots projects across Scotland, and fully supports the continued investment in good causes by People’s Postcode Lottery across Scotland.

S3M-04774 Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): Mental Health Awareness Week— That the Parliament supports the objectives of Mental Health Awareness Week from 5 to 11 October 2009; recognises that mental health problems affect one in four people in Scotland and that 61% of people in Scotland know someone who has a mental health problem; further notes that people with mental health problems continue to face stigma and discrimination and experience a high rate of unemployment; supports the objectives of the forthcoming Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) forum to be held on 9 October 2009, which will gather together mental health service users from across Scotland to discuss mental health improvement and their concerns about services, and recommends that all MSPs use this week to campaign for improved mental health services across Scotland.

Please find below motions recently lodged by David Whitton MSP
S3M-04891 David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Scottish Labour): Enterprising Student Awards— That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the first Enterprising Student Awards; notes that the Enterprising Student Awards, a collaboration with the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland and Scotland’s Colleges, is designed to recognise how important the college sector is to the economy and that colleges are a major partner in the economic development of Scotland, and further congratulates Walter Law, named Enterprising Student of the Year, who, after spending years as a glazier before completing computer qualifications at Cumbernauld College, now provides technical support to clients, including John Lewis from his business in Kirkintilloch.

Supported by: James Kelly, Jackie Baillie, David Stewart, Des McNulty, Ken Macintosh, John Park, Stuart McMillan, Mary Mulligan, Jim Tolson, Dr Richard Simpson, Claire Baker, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Marilyn Livingstone, Gil Paterson, Angela Constance, Rt Hon Jack McConnell

Lodged on Monday, September 21, 2009; Current
Please find below questions recently asked by David Whitton MSP
S3W-28142 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to reducing the salary level for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, given that the remit of the agency has changed and staff numbers reduced.

Due for answer Friday, November 06, 2009
S3W-28141 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to removing the bonus element from the remuneration package for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Due for answer Friday, November 06, 2009
S3W-28140 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive who decided on the details of the remuneration package for the post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Due for answer Friday, November 06, 2009
S3W-28139 - David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab) (Date Lodged Friday, October 09, 2009): To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for the recently filled post of chief executive of Scottish Enterprise; how many were internal candidates, and how many were from abroad.

Due for answer Friday, November 06, 2009

David Whitton MSP is a member of the Finance Committee.
Please find below a link to the official report of recent meetings

Finance Committee Official Report 15 September 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2002.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 22 September 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2102.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 29 September 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2202.htm

Finance Committee Official Report 06 October 2009 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-2302.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
The Debt Arrangement Scheme - Improving Access (Closing 14/12/09) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/285152/0086632.pdf

Consultation on the public sector equality duty specific duties (Closing 15/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/286361/0087195.pdf

Scottish Planning Policy Environmental Report Annex A (Closing 12/11/09) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/286452/0087208.pdf

Scottish Planning Policy - Proposed Policy Changes (Closing 12/11/09) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/286460/0087209.pdf

Amendments to the Mental Health Legislation in the event of a Civil Emergency or Influenza Pandemic (Closing 13/11/09) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/287613/0087711.pdf

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Acts 2004 & 2009: Consultation on Changes to the Secondary Legislation and Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice (Closing 08/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/286897/0087325.pdf

Conserve and Save: A Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Plan for Scotland (Closing 05/01/10) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/287719/0087747.pdf

Repossession of Residential Property: Protection of Tenants: (Closing 06/11/09) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/287830/0087795.pdf

Economic Returns from Variety Trialling in Scotland (Closing 09/10/12) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/287644/0087713.pdf

Bill Tracker
A number of constituents have requested more detail about the Bills being passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Arbitration (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 19) (Passed Stage 2 on 7 October 2009) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/19-Arbitration/b19as3-stage2-amend.pdf

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 24) (Stage 1 to be completed by 30/10/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/b24s3-introd.pdf

Marine (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 25) (Stage 1 on 29/10/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/25-MarineScot/b25s3-introd.pdf

Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 23) (passed Stage 2 on 30/09/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/23-Schools/b23s3-stage2-amend.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

Over the last two weeks 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.

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi (Decision) - 24/08/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0824-02.htm#Col19012

Diageo (Task Force) - 02/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0902-02.htm#Col19102

Diageo (Campaign against Closures) - 02/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0902-02.htm#Col19171

"Strategic Budget Scrutiny" - 10/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0910-02.htm#Col19530

Girlguiding - 10/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0910-02.htm#Col19573

Please find below motions recently signed by David Whitton MSP

S3M-04832 Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Scottish Labour): Diageo's Social Responsibility— That the Parliament notes with concern the announcement by Diageo that it is intent on closing its plants at Port Dundas and Kilmarnock; regrets that this decision was made in spite of widespread support for the campaign to save jobs at both sites and the loyalty and commitment of its workforce; believes that Diageo must recognise its continuing responsibility to the workers at both plants, and asks the Scottish Government to indicate what it will do to ensure that Diageo recognises and honours that commitment.

S3M-04796 Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish Labour): Shine on Bighearted Scotland— That the Parliament congratulates Ryan McLaughlin on winning the Bighearted Scotland 2009 Child of the Year award; acknowledges the importance of the Shine on Scotland campaign that Ryan has led, which seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of vitamin D in combating multiple sclerosis, with particular regard to young children and pregnant women; applauds all the Bighearted Scotland award winners and nominees for their outstanding contribution to society, and commends Ryan and his family for their tireless commitment to fighting MS.

S3M-04771 Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): Wear it Pink 2009— That the Parliament recognises that over 4,000 women and 20 men in Scotland will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; endorses Breast Cancer Campaign’s organisation of wear it pink on Friday 30 October 2009; notes the importance of the event in promoting awareness of breast cancer among the general public; encourages MSPs to participate in the initiative to help raise funds for innovative world-class breast cancer research at centres of excellence throughout the United Kingdom, and congratulates Breast Cancer Campaign and all of its supporters for having raised £3.5 million in 2008 through wear it pink.

S3M-04756 David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Labour): WeeW— That the Parliament welcomes the opening of the new WeeW retail outlet on the main street in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in the autumn of 2009; notes that this will help regenerate the town centre, assist with the economic and social regeneration of the island and create 28 new jobs, following the closure of the local Woolworths store earlier in the year; congratulates all those involved, particularly Terry Ovenstone who will be the manager of the new WeeW store, and wishes the new WeeW every success for the future.

S3M-04751 Joe FitzPatrick (Dundee West) (Scottish National Party): Dundee United FC Centenary— That the Parliament congratulates Dundee United Football Club on its 100th anniversary; notes that United played its first game on 18 August 1909 as Dundee Hibernian in a game that resulted in a 1-1 draw with Hibernian; notes that in 1910 Dundee United joined the Scottish football league and went on to win all of Scotland’s major football honours, winning the league cup in 1979-80 and 1980-81, the league in 1982-83 and the Scottish Cup in 1993-94; further notes that united was the first Scottish side to reach the final of the UEFA Cup in 1987 where, although they were narrowly beaten by IFK Gothenburg, FIFA awarded its first-ever Fair Play Award to the club for the sporting behaviour of the fans at Tannadice Park; acknowledges the contribution that Dundee United has made to International football, hosting International players from three continents and producing some of Scotland’s greats, including Dave Narey who famously put Scotland ahead against Brazil in the 1982 World Cup with a “toe poke”, and wishes all the players, staff and fans good luck for their centenary year.

S3M-04745 Robin Harper (Lothians) (Scottish Green Party): Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme— That the Parliament congratulates the thousands of Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award volunteers, leaders and staff across Scotland on the publication of the recent HM Inspectorate of Education report that rates the impact of the DofE scheme on young people as excellent (outstanding and sector-leading); welcomes the report’s conclusions that the DofE scheme provides a significant personal development programme that complements the core activities of a diverse range of providers, including schools, those who work with marginalised and disaffected young people, mental health units and young offenders institutions; applauds the impressive impact that the programme has on young people with additional support needs, and further notes that the DofE scheme has a valuable contribution to make to the values, purposes and capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence.

S3M-04736 Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Scottish Labour): Lance Armstrong Cycles into Paisley— That the Parliament notes the recent visit of seven-times winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong, to Paisley and his invitation to local cyclists to join him; further notes that he issued the invitation via his Twitter page which led to between 200 and 300 riders, including cycling star Graeme Obree, joining this Renfrewshire cycle; welcomes the very positive publicity for Paisley brought about by this impromptu visit, and hopes that it will encourage others to visit local attractions like Paisley Abbey, Weaver’s Cottage in Kilbarchan and the Lochwinnoch RSPB reserve.

S3M-04733# Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Scottish Labour): Auchengeich Colliery Disaster— That the Parliament notes the 50th anniversary of the Auchengeich Colliery disaster, which claimed the lives of 47 miners on 18 September 1959; recognises that the tragedy not only directly affected the 41 widows and 76 children left fatherless but also impacted on all of the people of the Chryston area and surrounding communities; appreciates that this devastating event continues to be significant to the people of the area; welcomes local projects set up in memory of the tragedy including the opening of a memorial garden in St Michael’s Primary School, Moodiesburn and a fund-raising amateur boxing tournament in Auchengeich Miners Welfare, both of which ensure continued awareness of the disaster among future generations; commends the local community for the dignity and respect that it has shown to the memory of the victims and their families during commemorative events held annually at the disaster memorial; considers that such events play an important role in ensuring that those who die as a result of work are not forgotten, and *welcomes all* support for the 50th anniversary commemoration event organised by the Auchengeich Colliery Memorial Committee, which takes place on 20 September 2009.

S3M-04727 Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Scottish Labour): The Life of Ernest Levy— That the Parliament pays tribute to the life of Ernest Levy, holocaust survivor and inspiration to successive generations; admires the warmth and humanity that characterised Ernest’s teachings despite the brutalising experience and inhumanity that he suffered at the hands of the Nazis; feels privileged that, after leaving his native Hungary, Ernest chose to make Scotland his home; believes that his more than 40 years here has made our country a richer place; is grateful for the countless times that Ernest selflessly made himself available to talk to young and old about the horrors of the holocaust despite the toll recounting his years in Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other death camps took on him; recognises the contribution that Ernest made as cantor of the Giffnock and Newlands congregation, the love that he gave and received from his own family, the respect in which he was held in the wider community and the impact that he had on all who met him, and thanks Ernest for a life that could so easily have been cut short but instead has shone like the single light that gave him hope and inspiration at a time of hate and prejudice.

S3M-04718 Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Scottish Labour): Release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi— That the Parliament regrets the decision by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP, to release Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds; notes that Mr al-Megrahi had dropped his appeal and therefore remains a convicted terrorist; notes also that no compassion was extended to the 270 victims of the Pan Am bombing of 21 December 1988 or to the people of the town of Lockerbie who have lived with the aftermath of the bombing for the past 20 years, and believes that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice badly mishandled the decision making process and that both the process of making the decision and the decision itself have damaged Scotland’s international reputation.

S3M-04706# Duncan McNeil (Greenock and Inverclyde) (Scottish Labour): IBM Pensions Proposals— That the Parliament expresses concern that IBM, a highly profitable company with substantial revenues and cash reserves which employs around 18,000 staff in the United Kingdom, including many in Scotland at its base in Greenock and other locations, is proposing changes to its final salary pension scheme that will see it closed to existing employees by 2010; believes that this will have a devastating impact on future pensions, and considers that the genuine concerns of loyal and hard-working employees should be addressed and their pension benefits protected.

S3M-04679 Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish Labour): Fair Deal for Dunbartonshire— That the Parliament expresses concern that, of the £40 million assigned to 48 towns across Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund, nothing whatever has been allocated to either East or West Dunbartonshire; notes that Clydebank was identified by Experian earlier this year as one of five Scottish town centres most at risk as a result of the economic downturn; is concerned that the criteria against which projects were considered were not published in advance, and calls on ministers to explain why none of the four bids put forward by West Dunbartonshire Council was granted funding despite its being the second most deprived council area in Scotland and the area with one of the the highest unemployment rates.

David Whitton MSP is a member of the Finance Committee.
Finance Committee Official Report - 01/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-1802.htm

Finance Committee Official Report - 08/09/09 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/or-09/fi09-1902.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.
Consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report for Scotland's Zero Waste Plan (Closing 11/11/09)

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/282237/0085306.pdf

Scotland's Zero Waste Plan: Consultation (Closing 13/11/09)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/282143/0085295.pdf

Consultation on Historic Scotland Guidance Notes - Managing Change in the Historic Environment (Closing 13/11/09)
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/currentconsultations

Draft Identity Management and Privacy Principles Consultation (Closinh 23/11/09)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/82980/0085087.pdf

Consultation on Implementation Proposals For EU Requirements Regarding Electronic Identification (EID) of Sheep and Individual Recording of Sheep and Goats

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/283796/0086001.pdf

Bill Tracker
A number of constituents have requested more detail about the Bills being passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 23) (Passed Stage 1 - 02/09/09) http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/23-Schools/b23s3-introd.pdf

Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 22) (Stage 1 on 25/09/09)  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/22-TobacPrimMedSer/b22s3-intro.pdf