Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Thursday, September 15, 2011

Official Report 1185KB pdf

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Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Two weeks ago, I attended a community event in Easterhouse that had been organised by my colleague, Margaret Curran MP, the shadow minister for welfare reform, at which I was asked what the attitude of the Scottish Government would be to the United Kingdom Government’s welfare reform proposals. Today’s general question number 4, which was lodged by Joan McAlpine, raised that matter. You will be aware that I contacted the business team to indicate that I wanted to be called to ask a supplementary question. However, the chamber will be aware that the question was mysteriously withdrawn today, although the member was in the chamber. I hope that that was not at the instigation of the Government and that you were provided with proper notice and explanation of why question 4 was not asked.

For the benefit of new members and the Government, could you outline the circumstances in which it would be appropriate for a lodged question to be withdrawn by a member, bearing in mind that that affects the opportunities for others in this Parliament to further question the Government?

I thank Drew Smith for that point of order. The standing orders allow for the withdrawal of questions that have been lodged by members. This is an issue that concerns me and my deputies. On 6 September, I issued an e-mail to all members in relation to withdrawing or not lodging questions.

I share the member’s frustration that the question was withdrawn, because it is certainly true that the member wished to ask a supplementary question. I drew attention to that in the chamber today and, indeed, noted that the member was present.

Should any member require further clarification or advice on this matter, I direct them to the clerks and the chamber desk office.