Official Report: search what was said in Parliament
The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
The Official Report search offers lots of different ways to find the information you’re looking for. The search is used as a professional tool by researchers and third-party organisations. It is also used by members of the public who may have less parliamentary awareness. This means it needs to provide the ability to run complex searches, and the ability to browse reports or perform a simple keyword search.
Searching by different views
The web version of the Official Report has three different views:
- Report: this is the whole Official Report for a particular meeting of a committee or Parliament
- Item of business: this is each individual agenda item in an Official Report. For example, Portfolio Questions would be the item of business in a Meeting of the Parliament report
- Contribution: this is each time someone has made a spoken contribution to a meeting.
Depending on the kind of search you want to do, one of these views will be the best option. The default view is to show the report for each meeting of Parliament or a committee. For a simple keyword search, the results will be shown by item of business.
Search by MSP
When you choose to search by a particular MSP, the results returned will show each spoken contribution in Parliament or a committee, ordered by date with the most recent contributions first. This will usually return a lot of results, but you can refine your search by keyword, date and/or by meeting (committee or Chamber business).
We’ve chosen to display the entirety of each MSP’s contribution in the search results. This is intended to reduce the number of times that users need to click into an actual report to get the information that they’re looking for, but in some cases it can lead to very short contributions (“Yes.”) or very long ones (Ministerial statements, for example.) We’ll keep this under review and get feedback from users on whether this approach best meets their needs.
Searching by keyword
There are two types of keyword search:
- A keyword search without quotation marks will look for every instance of each word used and rank the results by frequency and proximity. It will also include variants of the keywords using “porter stemming”. This is when the search looks for the “stem” of a word regardless of its ending. So, for example, a search for [salmon farm] will return each instance of “salmon” and each instance of “farm” as well as potentially including results for “farms”, “farmed” and “farming”.
- A keyword search with quotation marks will only return instances of that exact phrase used. So, for example, a search for “salmon farm” in quotation marks will only return instances of that exact phrase.
Combining search filters
If you select an MSP’s name from the dropdown menu, and add a phrase in quotation marks to the keyword field, then the search will return only examples of when the MSP said those exact words. You can further refine this search by adding a date range or selecting a particular committee or Meeting of the Parliament.
More complex keyword searches
It’s also possible to run basic Boolean searches. For example:
- a search for “salmon farm” AND “Loch Lomond” will return only results which include both exact phrases
- a search for “salmon farm” NOT “Loch Lomond” will return results for “salmon farm” but exclude results which also include “Loch Lomond”
- a search for “salmon farm” OR “Loch Lomond” will return all results for “salmon farm” and all results for “Loch Lomond” regardless of whether they appear together
Searching by date
There are two ways of searching by date.
You can either use the Start date and End date options to run a search across a particular date range. For example, you may know that a particular subject was discussed at some point in the last few weeks and choose a date range to reflect that.
Alternatively, you can use one of the pre-defined date ranges under “Select a time period”. These are:
- Current session (all Official Reports since the current sessions started)
- Last 6 months
- Last 12 months
- each of the previous sessions of Parliament. (Selecting the information icon above the “Select a time period” menu will give you the exact dates for each session.)
- All sessions
- You can also choose to select a custom date range, although adding a Start or End date will mean the search automatically defaults to this option.
If you search by an individual session, the list of MSPs and committees will automatically update to show only the MSPs and committees which were current during that session. For example, if you select Session 1 you will be show a list of MSPs and committees from Session 1.
If you add a custom date range which crosses more than one session of Parliament, the lists of MSPs and committees will update to show the information that was current at that time.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
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Displaying 14171 contributions
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Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Decision Time
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The next question is, that motion S6M-03030, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, on “Standing Order Rule Changes—Committee Name and Remit and Miscellaneous Changes”, be agreed to.
Motion agreed to,
That the Parliament notes the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 3rd Report 2022 (Session 6), Standing Order Rule Changes – Committee name and remit and miscellaneous changes (SP Paper 96), and agrees that the changes to Standing Orders set out in Annexe A of the report be made with effect from 11 February 2022.
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Decision Time
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
As Pam Duncan-Glancy indicated that she did not wish to press motion S6M-03148 to a vote, I propose to ask a single question on all 11 Parliamentary Bureau motions. Does any member object?
As no member objects, the final question is, that motions S6M-03145 to S6M-03155, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to.
Motions agreed to,
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/13) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/25) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/29) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Disability Assistance for Working Age People (Scotland) Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Registers of Scotland (Digital Registration, etc.) Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security Information-sharing (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Finance and Public Administration Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament between 12.45 pm and 2.30 pm on Thursday 24 February 2022.
That the Parliament agrees that the Social Justice and Social Security Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum in relation to the Nationality and Borders Bill (UK Legislation).
That the Parliament agrees that the Criminal Justice Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.
That the Parliament agrees that, with effect from 11 February 2022, for the purposes of committee meetings up to 1 April 2022—
(a) in Rule 6.3A.1 after “member” the words “or members” be inserted;
(b) Rule 6.3A.2 be suspended;
(c) in Rule 6.3A.4 the first sentence be suspended;
(d) after Rule 6.3A.5(d) be inserted “(e) a political party withdraws in writing to the Bureau that nomination of the member or members nominated for the purposes of committee meetings up to 1 April 2022.”; and
(e) in Rule 12.1.15 the words “(other than a committee substitute)” be omitted in both instances where they occur.
That the Parliament agrees that, with effect from 11 February 2022, Temporary Standing Orders Rule 3 be amended—
(a) in paragraph 1 to delete “11 February 2022” and insert “1 April 2022, except to the extent determined by the Presiding Officer, having regard to relevant legislation and public health guidance. Such determinations shall be notified in the Business Bulletin”; and
(b) to delete paragraph 2.
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Decision Time
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
That concludes decision time.
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Standing Order Rule Changes
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-03030, in the name of Martin Whitfield on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, entitled “Standing Order Rule Changes—Committee Name and Remit and Miscellaneous Changes”.
16:46Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The questions on the motions will be put at decision time.
I am minded to take a motion without notice to bring forward decision time.
Motion moved,
That, under Rule 11.2.4 of Standing Orders, Decision Time on Wednesday 9 February be brought forward to 4.57 pm.—[George Adam]
Motion agreed to.
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Business Motion
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-03144, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme.
Motion moved,
That the Parliament agrees—
(a) the following programme of business—
Tuesday 22 February 2022
2.00 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Topical Questions (if selected)
followed by First Minister’s Statement: COVID-19 Update
followed by Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Debate: Inquiry into the Use of the Made Affirmative Procedure During the Coronavirus Pandemic
followed by Scottish Government Debate: Nationality and Borders Bill (UK Legislation)
followed by Committee Announcements
followed by Business Motions
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members’ Business
Wednesday 23 February 2022
2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.00 pm Portfolio Questions:
Justice and Veterans;
Finance and Economy
followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business
followed by Business Motions
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Approval of SSIs (if required)
5.10 pm Decision Time
followed by Members’ Business
Thursday 24 February 2022
11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
11.40 am General Questions
12.00 pm First Minister's Questions
followed by Members’ Business
2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.00 pm Portfolio Questions:
Education and Skills
followed by Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Debate: COP26 - Outcomes and Implications for Scotland’s Climate Change Policies
followed by Business Motions
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
Tuesday 1 March 2022
2.00 pm Time for Reflection
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Topical Questions (if selected)
followed by First Minister’s Statement: COVID-19 Update
followed by Scottish Government Business
followed by Committee Announcements
followed by Business Motions
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
followed by Members’ Business
Wednesday 2 March 2022
2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.00 pm Portfolio Questions:
Covid Recovery and Parliamentary Business; Net Zero, Energy and Transport
followed by Scottish Government Business
followed by Scottish Government Debate: Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2022
followed by Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Debate: Internal Market Inquiry
followed by Business Motions
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
followed by Approval of SSIs (if required)
5.40 pm Decision Time
followed by Members’ Business
Thursday 3 March 2022
11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions
11.40 am General Questions
12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions
followed by Members’ Business
2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.30 pm Portfolio Questions:
Rural Affairs and Islands
followed by Scottish Government Business
followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions
5.00 pm Decision Time
(b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 21 February 2022, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[George Adam]
Motion agreed to.
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The next item of business is consideration of 11 Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-03145 to S6M-03150, on the approval of Scottish statutory instruments; motion S6M-03151, on committee meeting times; motions S6M-03152 and S6M-03153, on the designation of a lead committee; motion S6M-03154, on the suspension and variation of standing orders; and motion S6M-03155, on temporary amendments to standing orders.
Motions moved,
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/13) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/25) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2022 (SSI 2022/29) be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Disability Assistance for Working Age People (Scotland) Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Registers of Scotland (Digital Registration, etc.) Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security Information-sharing (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.
That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Finance and Public Administration Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament between 12.45 pm and 2.30 pm on Thursday 24 February 2022.
That the Parliament agrees that the Social Justice and Social Security Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum in relation to the Nationality and Borders Bill (UK Legislation).
That the Parliament agrees that the Criminal Justice Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.
That the Parliament agrees that, with effect from 11 February 2022, for the purposes of committee meetings up to 1 April 2022—
(a) in Rule 6.3A.1 after “member” the words “or members” be inserted;
(b) Rule 6.3A.2 be suspended;
(c) in Rule 6.3A.4 the first sentence be suspended;
(d) after Rule 6.3A.5(d) be inserted “(e) a political party withdraws in writing to the Bureau that nomination of the member or members nominated for the purposes of committee meetings up to 1 April 2022.”; and
(e) in Rule 12.1.15 the words “(other than a committee substitute)” be omitted in both instances where they occur.
That the Parliament agrees that, with effect from 11 February 2022, Temporary Standing Orders Rule 3 be amended—
(a) in paragraph 1 to delete “11 February 2022” and insert “1 April 2022, except to the extent determined by the Presiding Officer, having regard to relevant legislation and public health guidance. Such determinations shall be notified in the Business Bulletin”; and
(b) to delete paragraph 2.—[George Adam]
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
I call Pam Duncan-Glancy.
16:50Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Decision Time
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The next question is, that motion S6M-03100, in the name of Maggie Chapman, on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, on “Reimbursement of Members’ Expenses Scheme—Local Offices”, be agreed to.
Motion agreed to,
That the Parliament, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 81(2) and (5)(b) and 83(5) of the Scotland Act 1998, determines that the Reimbursement of Members’ Expenses Scheme, which was agreed to by resolution of the Parliament on 2 March 2021, be amended to:
(a) in paragraph 4.3.5, delete “the” where it appears at the beginning of the fourth line and delete “members concerned” in that same line and insert instead “those members who establish a local parliamentary office”;
(b) delete “When” at the beginning of paragraph 4.3.6 and insert instead “Subject to paragraphs 4.3.9 and 4.3.10, when”;
(c) insert after paragraph 4.3.8:
“4.3.9 Where one or more regional members, returned from a registered political party’s regional list, do not establish and run a local office the limit of entitlement to office cost provision of those members remaining who do establish and run a local office, in the circumstances set out in paragraphs 4.3.4 to 4.3.7, will be recalculated as though the member or members who do not establish an office had not been returned on that registered political party’s regional list.
Number of Regional Members originally returned on regional list
2
3
4
3
4
4
Number of Members not establishing a local office
1
1
1
2
2
3
Number of Regional Members recalculations subsequently based on
1
2
3
1
2
1
4.3.10 Should a member, who has previously not established a local office, decide at any subsequent point to establish a local office then all of those members returned from a registered political party’s regional list who establish a local office will require to share a local office as set out in paragraphs 4.3.4 to 4.3.7 and those members’ entitlement to office cost provision will be recalculated in accordance with paragraph 4.3.9 from the point of establishing that shared office.”;
(d) renumber paragraphs currently numbered as 4.3.9 to 4.3.13 to paragraphs 4.3.11 to 4.3.15 and amend any references to those paragraphs to take account of the number change accordingly; and
(e) insert after paragraph 4.4.1:
“4.4.2 The above calculation will be based on the number of members originally returned on the regional list for the political party, taking no account of any change made to calculations for those members who do establish and run a local office as set out in paragraphs 4.3.9 and 4.3.10.”
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)
Decision Time
Meeting date: 9 February 2022
Alison Johnstone
The result of the division on motion S6M-03080, in the name of John Swinney, as amended, is: For 122, Against 0, Abstentions 0.
Motion, as amended, agreed to,
That the Parliament agrees that the Coronavirus (Discretionary Compensation for Self-isolation) (Scotland) Bill be passed, and, in so doing, calls on the Scottish Government to review the amount paid in the self-isolation grant to ensure that it at least matches the National Living Wage.
