On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Have you received any notification that the Minister for Health and Community Care or one of his deputies might want to make a statement on the current crisis facing the Beatson oncology centre where the situation is deteriorating almost hourly? You will be aware that the Beatson is now seriously understaffed and that its ability to deliver a competent service to 60 per cent of the Scottish population is being called into question. It is a matter of great public concern, and that is why I seek a statement from the minister or one of his deputies.
I understand your concern. I am aware that the minister is visiting the unit today. I note that there are questions in tomorrow's business bulletin on which supplementary questions on that issue would be in order, and I expect to call them. However, I have had no request as yet for a minister to make a statement on the matter.
Further to that point of order, Presiding Officer. You will be aware that I lodged an emergency question this morning on the crisis at the Beatson oncology centre. You declined to select that question, as you are entitled to do. However, given the fact that the crisis has deepened considerably since the deadline for lodging questions for tomorrow's question time, given the importance to Scotland of the Beatson oncology centre, as the cancer centre that serves 60 per cent of Scotland's population, and given the fact that ministers should be accountable to this Parliament as well as making visits to the centre in question, may I respectfully ask you to reconsider your ruling?
The answer is no, you cannot. I have considered the matter carefully. Let me make it clear that, when I decide on emergency questions, my decision does not reflect in any way the importance or urgency of the issue. The standing orders make it quite clear that I must be satisfied that the question is sufficiently urgent to be answered that day. I have taken into account what is set down for tomorrow. Because the minister is visiting the unit today and because there are questions in the business bulletin for tomorrow, there will be an opportunity for the Parliament to call ministers to account tomorrow. As the length of time that I allow for any question is a matter for my own discretion, I take due note of the importance of this issue. I have no knowledge of any statement that may be made, but members will have a chance to ask questions on the matter tomorrow.