 Charged with keeping order : Presiding Officer George Reid MSP |
The controversial issue of higher education funding was once again the focus of attention in this week's question session with the First Minister. SNP leader John Swinney wants higher education action in Scotland. The impact of top-up fees is not being acted upon he claims and he's fed up with the Government's "prevarication." The First Minister says when action is taken it will be "the right action." He says the situation must be considered fully before moves are made. Questions John Swinney (Leader of the SNP, North Tayside) led with a question to Jack McConnell about why the review on higher education funding is taking so long.
The First Minister responded by saying the report would be published on Thursday afternoon. David McLetchie (Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Lothian) asked about why the business rate in Scotland higher than in England and Wales.
The First Minister says that the real-terms take of business rates in Scotland has been reduced to below the English rate. Trish Goldman (West Renfrewshire, Lab) asked about if the FM could help persuade the AA to keep its office in Erskine.
The First Minister says he hopes the company will review its decision. Nicola Sturgeon (Glasgow, SNP) asked whether Scotland's prisons could cope with housing disruptive prisoners from Northern Ireland.
The First Minister pointed out the delicate stage of the NI peace process Tommy Sheridan(Glasgow, SSP leader) suggested putting the First Minister makes the issue of low pay and women workers a priority.
The First Minister responded by pointing out that negotiations over nursery nurses pay are a matter for local authorities and trade unions. Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin, Lab) asked whether the interception of personal communication is "limited and appropriate."
The First Minister replied in the affirmative to both parts of the question. Mike Pringle (Edinburgh South, LD) asked whether there are any plans to introduce a law on corporate killing.
The First Minister said following the Transco case the law may be changed. Karen Gillon (Clydesdale, Lab) wants the law to be changed because companies are not adequately held to account at present.
The First Minister told her the matter is being studied. Mark Ballard (Lothian, Green) asked about the progress the Executive is making on the amount of waste being produced and landfilled.
The First Minister says Scotland does produce too much waste but that recycling and composting is increasing. You can see First Minister's Questions from Scotland every Saturday on BBC Parliament from 1000 GMT
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