Contents
- Point of Order
- Portfolio Question Time
- Presiding Officer’s Ruling
- Education (National Discussion)
- Urgent Question
- Members’ Expenses Scheme
- Business Motion
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- Decision Time
- Dewars Centre
Point of Order
On a point of order, Deputy Presiding Officer. There is a debate this afternoon on a motion in the name of Jenny Gilruth that invites the Parliament to welcome the publication of “All Learners in Scotland Matter: Our National Discussion on Education”. However, that document has not been published. Strictly speaking, nobody in the chamber has a right to speak about its contents because it is not in the public domain.
I ask for your guidance and intervention. How are we supposed to have a debate about a document that has not yet been published? Can the office of the Presiding Officer intervene with the Government to insist that that document is published at least before we begin the debate? Can it also make the point that it is a discourtesy to the Parliament for the Government to schedule a debate on a subject that involves a publication that has not been published? How are we supposed to have a meaningful debate?
I thank Mr Kerr for his contribution. Strictly speaking, that is not a point of order, as it not does not engage the chair. However, I am aware of the important issue that Mr Kerr has raised. Obviously, it is vital that members have the information that they need in a timely fashion, so we will look into the matter that Mr Kerr has flagged up to the chamber, with a view to ascertaining what is happening.