Parliamentary News Release

037/2004

22 June 2004

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ISSUES ANNUAL REPORT

The Scottish Parliament’s Annual Report, published today, shows that the volume of work undertaken in the first year of its second session shows no let up with 22 bills introduced and 34 inquiries carried out.

The report covers the 12-month period from May 2003 when the second session began and covers the election results, party composition and new committee and group memberships. All MSPs are listed with their constituency or regional responsibilities.

The Chamber section recounts the election of Presiding Officer and First Minister before reporting on changes made to the business timetable, the progress of legislation, debates and motions. Each committee has a full page to report on its activities as well as listing its membership and remit. As well as continuing the practice of meeting in towns and rural communities throughout Scotland, committees held 417 meetings lasting nearly 825 hours, and heard from a total of 1,446 witnesses representing 587 organisations.

Copies of the Annual Report are sent to a wide range of organisations, all Scottish secondary schools and partner libraries in every constituency. The Gaelic version will be published next week.

Commenting on the parliamentary year running from 7 May 2003 to 6 May 2004, Presiding Officer, George Reid, said:

“This report provides a snapshot of how the members of the Scottish Parliament have addressed a vast range of matters in both the Chamber and committees.

“Throughout all our business we have endeavoured to work in partnership with the people of Scotland. We have taken oral and written evidence throughout the land, the better to inform our decisions.

“That is right and proper, since our Parliament belongs to our people. I very much hope that this report will help them to decide how well we have engaged with the issues of building a better country.”

Scottish Parliament’s Annual Report

Scottish Parliament’s Annual Report (pdf version)

For further information, the media team contact is:

Barbara Fraser: 0131 348 6265
email: Barbara.fraser@scottish.parliament.uk

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