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I welcome Fiona Hyslop's initiation of this debate. As is the case for many MPs and MSPs, several of my constituency cases are associated with questions of debt, whether that is consumer debt or debt associated with public agencies.
I hope that extension of retrospection can be further explored.I pay tribute to organisations such as Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Thompsons Solicitors, and to MSPs for pursuing the matter vigorously.
One of my roles is to continue her good work.My task as the new MSP for Moray is straightforward—it is to help to build a better life, in a better country, for the people of Moray.
It would also show any observers that their MSP wanted to ask a question. The public might be sitting there thinking, "Why are you not asking a question?"
It is for internal use by clerks and other people who have to deal with these matters, but it is also available for MSPs and our friends outwith Parliament who are interested in such things.
As David McLetchie knows, I understand his concern as the local MSP and I share that concern. However, I hope that he is aware that we reviewed the policy and that a new policy was circulated to the relevant agencies at the beginning of the summer.
Another aspect that I would draw to Audit Scotland's attention—I think that this is a matter of concern to all MSPs—is how the drug and alcohol action teams administer methadone programmes and how those programmes are linked to issues such as reoffending, mental health and associated areas.
Members will have noticed that I wrote to the Presiding Officer as an MSP, rather than as a convener. After the previous committee meeting, the clerks came to tell me that the Executive had spoken to them to say that it had been noted that a substitute member had taken part in the two votes and that that was procedurally wrong and should not have happened.