Plenary, 18 Jun 2009

Meeting date: Thursday, June 18, 2009

Official Report 655KB pdf

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Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I wish to raise a point of order in relation to paragraphs 3.1.10 and 3.1.11 of the introduction to the code of conduct for members of the Scottish Parliament. The code says:

"Members should be as open as possible about their decisions and actions."

It also says:

"Members should promote and support these principles by leadership and example, to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the Parliament and its members in conducting public business."

Earlier today in the chamber, in response to a question on the funding of the Aberdeen western peripheral route, Stewart Stevenson replied that it would be funded "with money". [Laughter.]

Order.

It was not the first time that Stewart Stevenson has responded to colleagues in such a way. I would appreciate your guidance on an important matter, Presiding Officer, and I am sure that the Parliament would too. Could all MSPs—and Stewart Stevenson in particular—be encouraged to abide by the aspirational aspects laid out in our code of conduct?

I am grateful for having received prior notice of Mike Rumbles's point. I regret to say that it is not a point of order, because it applies to parts of the code of conduct that do not represent obligations on members. However, on reflection, the minister might want to consider whether his response to Mr Rumbles was quite as constructive as it might have been.