Motion S4M-05117: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 05/12/2012
Time for a New Motions Process
That the Parliament notes that, of around 5,000 motions lodged during the current parliamentary session, the word “congratulates” appears 2,369 times, “award” 658 times and “lottery” 325 times; considers that, with the maturing of the Parliament, it is time to review the procedure and practice of lodging motions; believes that it may be appropriate for there to be two categories of motion, those that seek a members’ business debate and other motions; considers that, in relation to those motions that seek a debate, the criteria for selection should no longer include the need for explicit local or regional relevance; further considers that congratulatory messages should no longer be part of the motions process and that a separate process should be introduced for displaying these, such as a message board on the Parliament’s website or contained in an interactive display in a public area, which could include a short video or images of the individuals, groups or issues mentioned in the message, and recommends that the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee gives this proposal consideration.
Supported by: Bill Walker, Graeme Pearson, John Mason, Colin Beattie, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, Anne McTaggart, Mary Fee, Jenny Marra, Ken Macintosh, Gordon MacDonald, Hanzala Malik, Jean Urquhart, Margaret McDougall, Alex Fergusson, Mike MacKenzie, Chic Brodie, Roderick Campbell, Murdo Fraser, Willie Coffey, Tavish Scott, Colin Keir
As for Worst Motion of the Week, this stinker from Gil Paterson is a lamentable classic:
Motion S4M-05157: Gil Paterson, Clydebank and Milngavie, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 10/12/2012
Labour Condemned by Hospital Campaigner
That the Parliament notes the reported comments of Jim Moohan, chairman of the Hospitalwatch group, criticising attempts to reintroduce a casualty unit in West Dunbartonshire; understands that Mr Moohan was heavily involved in the campaign to keep the Vale of Leven Hospital open when faced with what it considers closure by 1,000 cuts by the previous Labour/Liberal Democrat administration, and believes that the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital is secure in the hands of the SNP administration and that this will benefit all the people in the area.
Supported by: Brian Adam, Christina McKelvie, Kevin Stewart, Bill Kidd, Adam Ingram, Willie Coffey, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Annabelle Ewing, Richard Lyle, Gordon MacDonald, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Colin Beattie, Bob Doris, Chic Brodie, Jamie Hepburn, Mark McDonald, Maureen Watt, Colin Keir