Contents
- Scottish Parliament Thursday 30 October 2003
- Integrated Rural Development
- First Minister's Question Time
- Question Time
- Point of Order
- “Building Better Cities”
- Business Motion
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- Decision Time
- European Week for Safety and Health
Point of Order
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Following a point of order that I made yesterday, I attempted to lodge a motion to the effect that the Parliament should invoke section 23 of the Scotland Act 1998 to require the BBC to produce any documents or tapes requested by Lord Fraser in the course of his inquiry into the Holyrood building project. I was told by the clerk in the chamber office that he would have to consult the Parliament's legal advisers before the motion could be lodged formally. That was nearly 24 hours ago, but the chamber office is still apparently waiting for a response from the Parliament's legal advisers. Presiding Officer, can you use your good offices to expedite matters and to try to ensure that my motion is lodged and debated by the Parliament?
This is a serious question that deserves serious consideration. The matter has been referred to the legal advisers for legal advice on ultra vires powers. I understand that we shall have an answer by 5 o' clock tonight.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer.
Is it further to Mr Canavan's point of order?
It is related to the same issue. Presiding Officer, can you give me guidance on the exact status of the Holyrood progress group? Does the group, either collectively or as individuals, represent the Parliament or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body?
The progress group was appointed by the corporate body at the instruction of the Parliament. I hope that that is clear. If so, we can move to the next item of business.
Further to my point of order, if the progress group represents the Parliament, I presume that its members can represent the views of the Parliament and reflect what the Parliament considers to be debate in the public interest. Is it in order for a member of the Parliament's press office to instruct a back-bench member of the Parliament not to take part in a public discussion on radio on the Fraser inquiry?
I have no knowledge of that matter. As I received no advance notice of the point of order, I cannot be expected to respond to it now. I shall look into the matter and respond to Margo MacDonald on the record. Under standing orders, I am the only person who can represent the Parliament.
We move to the next item of business. Those members who wish to leave should do so now.
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