Plenary,

Meeting date: Thursday, May 18, 2000

Official Report 637KB pdf

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Parliamentary Bureau Motions

Motions moved,

That the Parliament agrees that Rule 5.6.1(c) of the standing orders be suspended for the duration of the Meeting of the Parliament on Thursday 1 June 2000.

That the Parliament agrees that the Finance Committee considers the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill and reports on the provisions referred to in Rule 9.12.2 and 9.12.3 and that Rule 9.12.5 and Rule 9.12.6 of the standing orders be suspended for the purpose of the Parliament's consideration of the Bill.

That the Parliament agrees that the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations be approved.—[Mr McCabe.]

Parliament is ahead of time today. We have a half-full chamber, but there is no agreement across the parties that we should go for an early decision time. I propose, therefore, to suspend the meeting of Parliament until 16:59 and to take decision time at the usual time. I do so under the powers that are vested in the chair under standing orders, rule 7.4.1(d):

"The Presiding Officer may, if he or she considers it appropriate, suspend a meeting of the Parliament . . . where debate on a particular item of business has concluded before the time set out in the daily business list".

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. If there is so much time left, why was I not allowed an extra minute to make an important point? My friend John Farquhar Munro—

You are well aware that Ms Ferguson allowed you two minutes over your allotted time. That was more than generous.

Meeting suspended.

On resuming—

I reconvene this meeting of Parliament.

On a point of order. During question time today, the First Minister's press officer was on the floor of this chamber wearing what appeared to be a Labour party neck cord. Will you comment on the appropriateness of a civil servant, who is paid out of the public purse, parading his party loyalties? Will you refer the matter to the head of the civil service, with a view to considering whether the special advisers code of conduct has been breached?

It was perfectly in order for the gentleman to be on the floor of the Parliament, as arrangements had been made with the Presiding Officer for him to be there, as indeed they had been for representatives of the non-Executive parties. However, it is expected that anyone who is granted access to the chamber should have regard to the appropriateness and possible impact of their appearance and behaviour.

Your third point is not a matter for the chair, although no doubt it will be noted.