Plenary, 14 Mar 2001

Meeting date: Wednesday, March 14, 2001

Official Report 447KB pdf

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Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. You will be aware that foot-and-mouth disease has a grip on a part of Dumfries and Galloway. Members of all parties who represent that area had requested that the Minister for Rural Development make a statement to Parliament about the current situation. The most recent statement was made two weeks ago. As members will be aware, the circumstances have changed significantly since then. At that time, there were no confirmed cases, whereas now there are more than 30.

We were informally advised that the minister did not want to make a statement tomorrow because he has nothing new to say, but I was concerned to read a press statement he issued this evening. In it, he says:

"The Scottish Executive will tomorrow announce the introduction of additional measures aimed at stamping out foot and mouth disease."

He continues:

"Details of the new arrangements—"

Mr Mundell, please make your point of order. I cannot allow you to make a speech.

This is a serious matter. If Mr Finnie wants to announce new arrangements, he should announce them to the Parliament and allow members to question him on them. I ask you to use your office to ensure that he does so.

You will have to take that matter up with Mr Finnie, as it is not appropriate for me to prejudge what tomorrow's business is likely to be. We are drawing today's business to a close, but you have made your point.

Meeting closed at 18:13.