LANDMARK AS PARLIAMENT REACHES 100th MEMBERS' BUSINESS DEBATE

It is one of the Scottish Parliament's great success stories…

It has brought issues as diverse as sign language and Greenock Morton FC, Borders rail links and Bo'ness water supply, Pollockshaws Sports Centre and body piercing, to the floor of the Chamber…

And it has often proved the catalyst for action in these areas and other serious issues such as domestic violence and the protection of rape victims.

The Members' Business Debate reaches a milestone tomorrow (Thursday) when Scott Barrie, MSP for Dunfermline West, introduces the 100th debate on the subject of harassment of people with learning difficulties (the motion is reproduced in full in the Background Note).

Members' Business generally takes place in the half-hour after voting on each Chamber Sitting day (Wednesday and Thursday). It allows motions - often relating to constituency matters - with general all-party support to be debated on the floor of the Chamber.

It also requires Scottish Executive Cabinet or Junior Ministers to explain what action the Government is taking on the issue under consideration.

Ahead of his debate, Scott Barrie said:

"I am delighted to have secured the 100th Members' Business debate on Thursday.

"These debates have been one of the highlights of the Parliament so far. Whereas they may not always receive national coverage, they have proved highly popular at a local level.

"Issues or events connected with a particular locality can be raised and discussed in our national Parliament and people appreciate this.

"They have also allowed other subjects to be discussed which may not have featured in other Parliamentary debates, but which nevertheless are of concern to MSPs and local communities."

Presiding Officer Sir David Steel also praised Members' Business time. He said:

"These debates allow MSPs the opportunity to bring issues close to their hearts into the Parliament Chamber. They are often issues of great importance at local level, and the quality of debate and passion for the subject is always high.

"I would go so far as to say that some of the best debates I've heard in the Scottish Parliament came during the Members' Business slot - the Domestic Violence and Sign Language debates particularly deserving to be highlighted.

"Sadly, these debates do not receive the national coverage they deserve, but I know that MSPs work hard to bring them to the attention of the public at a local level.

"The Presiding Officers often find it difficult to fit all contributions into the half-hour allocated. As a recognition of these pressures, and after consideration by the Procedures Committee, the rules have been changed to allow a maximum of 45 minutes from December 20."

BACKGROUND NOTE

Scott Barrie's motion for Thursday afternoon's business (approx 5.05pm to 5.35pm) is:

Let's Keep It Safe -That the Parliament notes the widespread harassment that people with learning difficulties can be subjected to in Scotland; further notes the work undertaken by MENCAP and ENABLE to highlight this problem; congratulates Values Into Action for producing the A to Z booklets Let's Keep It Safe and Let's Report It to assist people in dealing with and overcoming such bullying and harassment; further notes the successful launch of these booklets in Edinburgh on 15 November 2000, and commends them to local authorities, NHS Trusts and voluntary groups as a guide to best practice in this area.