The next item of business is consideration of motion S1M-1605 in the name of Tom McCabe, setting out the business programme. Any member who wishes to oppose the motion should press their request-to-speak button.
Motion moved,
That the Parliament agrees:
(a) the following revisions to the Business Motion agreed on 25 January 2001-
Thursday 1 February 2001
after Business Motion insert:
followed by Ministerial Statement on the Lockerbie Trial
and (b) the following programme of business—
Wednesday 7 February 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Executive Debate on the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2001
followed by Executive Debate on the Criminal Justice and Police Bill – UK Legislation
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1478 Cathy Peattie: 2001: UN Year of Volunteering
Thursday 8 February 2001
9.30 am Green Party debate on Renewable Energy
followed by Scottish Socialist Party debate on the National Health Service
followed by Scottish Socialist Party debate on Local Authority Housing Capital Debt
followed by Scottish Socialist Party debate on the Abolition of Council Tax
followed by Business Motion
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Stage 3 Debate on the Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1489 John Scott: Non-payment of Redundancy Packages to Ailsa Troon Workers
Wednesday 14 February 2001
2.30 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Health and Community Care Committee Debate on its Report on the Delivery of Community Care in Scotland
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business - debate on the subject of S1M-1569 Fiona Hyslop: Debt Advice and Debt Awareness Day
Thursday 15 February 2001
9.30 am Scottish National Party Business
followed by Ministerial Statement
followed by Business Motion
2.30 pm Question Time
3.10 pm First Minister's Question Time
3.30 pm Executive Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members' Business—[Tavish Scott].
I want to restrict my remarks to the three half-hour debates in the name of Mr Tommy Sheridan during non-Executive business on Thursday 8 February. This will be the first time three half-hour debates in non-Executive business time will have taken place and there is a danger that a precedent with further implications will be set. We have serious reservations because speeches from the back benches will be restricted; more than that, back benchers will be squeezed out.
I call Mr Scott to reply.
Only one speech is permitted, I am afraid.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I understand that only one member may speak against the motion. However, I add my voice to what Lord James has said.
I am sorry—
The SNP also has serious concerns that back benchers are being disadvantaged.
I am sorry, but speeches cannot take place on points of order.
I share the concern that Lord James has raised. I understand that the Parliamentary Bureau discussed the issue on Tuesday afternoon. The bureau would consider taking the issue to the Procedures Committee for a determination.
The question is, that motion S1M-1605, in the name of Tom McCabe, be agreed to.
Motion agreed to.