Plenary, 02 Jul 1999

Meeting date: Friday, July 2, 1999

Official Report 576KB pdf

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Scottish Parliament Friday 2 July 1999

[THE PRESIDING OFFICER opened the meeting at 09:31]

Before we begin this morning's proceedings, I am sure that members would want me to take this opportunity to thank everybody who was involved in the organisation and preparation of yesterday's successful opening. [Applause.] I will be writing to Her Majesty to thank her for the reception last night to which she invited us all. I do not wish to single out anyone, but I express my gratitude to all those involved: the armed forces; the police and the emergency services; the broadcasters; all the contractors and local authorities that assisted; Unique Events for last night's celebrations and the spectacular finale in Princes Street; and, in particular, all our clerks and the parliamentary staff who were involved in weeks of preparation to make yesterday such a success.

I remind members who have not yet had the opportunity to sign the first days commemorative edition and to collect their copies that they can do so in my room behind the chair all morning.

Finally, I ask members to let their business managers know if they wish to speak in either the debate on the McIntosh committee or the debate on the appointment of the committee of inquiry so that I can assess how much time to allocate for each debate.