Parliamentary News Release
074/2004
16 December 2004
QUESTION TIME FOR CORPORATE BODY
Members of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body are for the first time, to take part in a Question Time in the Parliament’s Main Chamber.
The event, which is scheduled for January, is aimed at increasing accountability. The 15 minute session, will see SPCB members take questions from MSPs on issues relating to the running of Parliament.
Of the move, Presiding Officer and Chair of the SPCB George Reid MSP said:
“The Parliament is always keen to try new ways to make itself increasingly accountable to MSPs and the people of Scotland. This initiative is an example of our continued commitment to lay the running of the organisation open to scrutiny.”
One of the Deputy Presiding Officers will chair the session which is expected to take place at 2.15pm on Wednesday 26 January. The session will be a formal part of Parliament’s proceedings.
Background
An announcement will be placed in the Business Bulletin in the New Year advising Members of the SPCB Question Time and inviting questions to be lodged by 4pm on Tuesday 18 January.
Twelve questions will be randomly selected for answer by the SPCB.
SPCB Members - Portfolio Arrangements
The SPCB has agreed portfolio arrangements where the four members take a lead interest in specific issues. Each member will therefore answer questions related to their areas of interest as follows:
Robert Brown MSP - Finance, governance issues and specific projects such as the impact of freedom of information and the appointment of commissioners.
Duncan McNeill MSP - Services directly impacting on members' support, particularly allowances, procurement, personnel and equal opportunities.
John Scott MSP - Services directly impacting on members’ support, in particular IT, facilities management and local office support.
Andrew Welsh MSP - Promotion of the Parliament, including external communications strategy, the public information and education services and the website, and internal communications including the Intranet.
To maintain his impartiality in parliamentary matters the Presiding Officer will not be involved in answering questions.
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