It would be getting partisan to suggest that AC/DC are rubbish, which they are, but if we are to let the motions database go unchecked then nonsensical, and trivial guff can be allowed to be published. Is Christine the new George Foulkes?
*S3M-3151Christine Grahame:AC/DC - We Salute You—That the Parliament recognises the significant musical contribution of rock band AC/DC, whose founding members, Angus and Malcolm Young, moved from Scotland to Australia and joined with Bon Scott, another Scottish émigré, to create what has become a musical legend with the band selling an estimated 150 million albums worldwide and establishing themselves as one of the best-selling rock bands of all time; notes that the popularity of AC/DC continues to grow and welcomes their forthcoming performance at Scotland’s national football stadium on 30 June 2009, and finally acknowledges the musical inspiration that the band has provided to thousands of Scottish musicians who have themselves gone on to great international success.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Sunday, 21 December 2008
CHC Budget - 100K
Interesting Press Release, admittedly from the SNP, that shows that through his obscene and wasteful PQs(as we have so lovingly presented to the viewing public), have cost the taxpayer a whopping £100,000. From this PQ and answer:
S3W-17445 - Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP) (Date Lodged Monday, November 03,
2008): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question
S3W-6776 by Bruce Crawford on 18 December 2007, whether an updated
estimate of the financial cost of answering a written parliamentary
question is available.
Answered by Bruce Crawford (Monday, November 10, 2008): Following a review
by the Scottish Government Finance Administration, the average cost of
answering a written parliamentary question is calculated to be £98.51.
I assume, as is not explicitly mentioned in the release, that Foulkes has asked around 1000 PQs for this to add up.
A new Favourite of mine to remind you why he is worth the money, and why this blog exists:
S3W-17351 - George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, October
30, 2008): To ask the Scottish Executive how many Saltire-branded space
hoppers it has ordered for the purposes of celebrating St Andrew’s Day
2008; where they were manufactured; what the item price is, and what the
overall cost was of production.
S3W-17445 - Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP) (Date Lodged Monday, November 03,
2008): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question
S3W-6776 by Bruce Crawford on 18 December 2007, whether an updated
estimate of the financial cost of answering a written parliamentary
question is available.
Answered by Bruce Crawford (Monday, November 10, 2008): Following a review
by the Scottish Government Finance Administration, the average cost of
answering a written parliamentary question is calculated to be £98.51.
I assume, as is not explicitly mentioned in the release, that Foulkes has asked around 1000 PQs for this to add up.
A new Favourite of mine to remind you why he is worth the money, and why this blog exists:
S3W-17351 - George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab) (Date Lodged Thursday, October
30, 2008): To ask the Scottish Executive how many Saltire-branded space
hoppers it has ordered for the purposes of celebrating St Andrew’s Day
2008; where they were manufactured; what the item price is, and what the
overall cost was of production.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Classic Kenny
Nothing to add on this to be honest. The man is a hero!
Short Title: Making the Parliament More Scottish
S3M-03150 Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): That the Parliament recognises Scotland’s phenomenal contribution to world civilisation over recent centuries in medicine, science, literature, philosophy, exploration and a host of other fields; shares the disappointment of many visitors from home and abroad that the Parliament building barely reflects this; is aware that in the heart of the Parliament one could be in almost any country; believes that in the Year of Homecoming this should be rectified; considers that rooms such as TG.21, Q1.03 and Committee Room 1 and the Garden Lobby would each be better named, and should be themed, after individual Scots who have contributed both to making Scotland the nation it is today and to the creation of the modern world, and urges the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to, imaginatively and decisively, give the Parliament the identity it needs.
Short Title: Making the Parliament More Scottish
S3M-03150 Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): That the Parliament recognises Scotland’s phenomenal contribution to world civilisation over recent centuries in medicine, science, literature, philosophy, exploration and a host of other fields; shares the disappointment of many visitors from home and abroad that the Parliament building barely reflects this; is aware that in the heart of the Parliament one could be in almost any country; believes that in the Year of Homecoming this should be rectified; considers that rooms such as TG.21, Q1.03 and Committee Room 1 and the Garden Lobby would each be better named, and should be themed, after individual Scots who have contributed both to making Scotland the nation it is today and to the creation of the modern world, and urges the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to, imaginatively and decisively, give the Parliament the identity it needs.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Any need for this?
We have seen some guff motions from some quarters recently, but is there really any need to waste time and resources with crap like this?
S3M-03109 Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): That the Parliament congratulates SNP councillor Anthea Dickson, elected on 11 December 2008 to serve the people of Kilbirnie and Beith Ward on North Ayrshire Council in Cunninghame North constituency; notes that Anthea more than doubled the SNP share of the vote from 23.4% in 2007 to 48.9% in 2008 with a swing of 15% from Labour; is aware that in 2007, even as the SNP won Cunninghame North by 48 votes, it polled 831 fewer votes than Labour in Kilbirnie and Beith but has now polled 424 more; recognises that Labour has two branches in the area, including Scotland’s biggest, two Labour clubs and that the MP Katy Clark has two offices in Kilbirnie and Beith, and believes that if the SNP can win in such traditionally strong Labour territory it can look forward with confidence to even greater success elsewhere in the months and years ahead.
S3M-03109 Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP): That the Parliament congratulates SNP councillor Anthea Dickson, elected on 11 December 2008 to serve the people of Kilbirnie and Beith Ward on North Ayrshire Council in Cunninghame North constituency; notes that Anthea more than doubled the SNP share of the vote from 23.4% in 2007 to 48.9% in 2008 with a swing of 15% from Labour; is aware that in 2007, even as the SNP won Cunninghame North by 48 votes, it polled 831 fewer votes than Labour in Kilbirnie and Beith but has now polled 424 more; recognises that Labour has two branches in the area, including Scotland’s biggest, two Labour clubs and that the MP Katy Clark has two offices in Kilbirnie and Beith, and believes that if the SNP can win in such traditionally strong Labour territory it can look forward with confidence to even greater success elsewhere in the months and years ahead.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Interesting Press Release from John Swinney
Best to check them before sending them out eh?
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:06
Subject: News Release from John Swinney
News Release from John Swinney MSP
Attn: News Desk
For Immediate Release
Photo Desk
Friday 21st November 2008
SWINNEY TO HOLD CONSTITUENCY SURGERIES
Mr John Swinney, SNP member of the Scottish Parliament for
North Tayside will be holding constituency surgeries in December.
John Swinney endeavours to hold surgeries around his
constituency as often as possible. He regularly has
appointments in his constituency office in Blairgowrie but
travels around North Tayside to meet those who cannot attend
meetings in the office.
John Swinney will be holding surgeries at the following
locations on Monday 15th December 2008.
Pitlochry, Town Hall – 10.00 – 11.00
Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Academy - 11.30 – 12.30
Dunkeld, Birnam Institute – 1.00 – 2.00
Scone, Robert Douglas Memorial Institute – 2.30 – 3.30
Coupar Angus, Town Hall – 4.00 – 5.00
Commenting on the upcoming surgery John Swinney said,
“God I hate these things!!!!!!!!!!
“These surgeries are an important element of my portfolio as a
representative of the people of North Tayside.
“They provide me with an opportunity to travel around the
constituency and meet those who are not able to meet me in my
constituency office.
“I encourage the constituents who wish to see me to come along
to one of the surgeries, to make an appointment to meet with me
simply phone 0125... .”
END
Contact: Stephen Carter
0125...
**********************************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:08
Subject: Previous Press Release
Dear All
Please immediately disregard the previous press release.
Yours Sincerely
Stephen Carter
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:10
Subject: Previous Press Release
Deal All
I would be very much grateful if the previous press release would be immediately deleted.
I am sorry for this inconvenience
Yours sincerely
Stephen Carter
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
"For latest news and information about all aspects of Parliamentary business, MSPs and our work, visit the Parliament's website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/.
For information about how you can visit the Parliament, go to http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm.
Watch Parliamentary business live at http://www.holyrood.tv/
The information in this e-mail transmission and any files or attachments transmitted with it are strictly confidential and may contain privileged information. It is intended solely for the person or organisation to whom it is addressed and if you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute, disclose or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please delete it from your computer system and notify the sender as soon as possible.
While this e-mail message and attachments have been swept by the content filter software for the presence of computer viruses, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body does not guarantee that either are virus-free and accepts no liability for damage sustained as a result of a virus. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that the onward transmission, opening or use of this message and any attachments will not adversely affect their systems or data or otherwise incur liability in law."
**********************************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:06
Subject: News Release from John Swinney
News Release from John Swinney MSP
Attn: News Desk
For Immediate Release
Photo Desk
Friday 21st November 2008
SWINNEY TO HOLD CONSTITUENCY SURGERIES
Mr John Swinney, SNP member of the Scottish Parliament for
North Tayside will be holding constituency surgeries in December.
John Swinney endeavours to hold surgeries around his
constituency as often as possible. He regularly has
appointments in his constituency office in Blairgowrie but
travels around North Tayside to meet those who cannot attend
meetings in the office.
John Swinney will be holding surgeries at the following
locations on Monday 15th December 2008.
Pitlochry, Town Hall – 10.00 – 11.00
Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Academy - 11.30 – 12.30
Dunkeld, Birnam Institute – 1.00 – 2.00
Scone, Robert Douglas Memorial Institute – 2.30 – 3.30
Coupar Angus, Town Hall – 4.00 – 5.00
Commenting on the upcoming surgery John Swinney said,
“God I hate these things!!!!!!!!!!
“These surgeries are an important element of my portfolio as a
representative of the people of North Tayside.
“They provide me with an opportunity to travel around the
constituency and meet those who are not able to meet me in my
constituency office.
“I encourage the constituents who wish to see me to come along
to one of the surgeries, to make an appointment to meet with me
simply phone 0125... .”
END
Contact: Stephen Carter
0125...
**********************************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:08
Subject: Previous Press Release
Dear All
Please immediately disregard the previous press release.
Yours Sincerely
Stephen Carter
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk [mailto:Stephen.Carter@scottish.parliament.uk]
Sent: 03 December 2008 15:10
Subject: Previous Press Release
Deal All
I would be very much grateful if the previous press release would be immediately deleted.
I am sorry for this inconvenience
Yours sincerely
Stephen Carter
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
"For latest news and information about all aspects of Parliamentary business, MSPs and our work, visit the Parliament's website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/.
For information about how you can visit the Parliament, go to http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm.
Watch Parliamentary business live at http://www.holyrood.tv/
The information in this e-mail transmission and any files or attachments transmitted with it are strictly confidential and may contain privileged information. It is intended solely for the person or organisation to whom it is addressed and if you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute, disclose or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please delete it from your computer system and notify the sender as soon as possible.
While this e-mail message and attachments have been swept by the content filter software for the presence of computer viruses, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body does not guarantee that either are virus-free and accepts no liability for damage sustained as a result of a virus. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that the onward transmission, opening or use of this message and any attachments will not adversely affect their systems or data or otherwise incur liability in law."
**********************************************************************
Immitation is the highest form of flattery....apparently
When you copy Jamie Hepburn you sink to new depths but that didn't stop SNP MSP Bill Kidd lodging virtually the same motion as his Central Scotland colleague had previously lodged.
*S3M-3049 Bill Kidd: Scottish Youth Parliament Website—That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Youth Parliament on the establishment of the new website, http://www.blogger.com/www.syp.org.uk, which now includes a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) finder feature, making it easier for young people to communicate the issues that are important to them to their MSYPs and recognises the valuable contribution that MSYPs make to their local communities and youth politics across Scotland.
S3M-03046 Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament welcomes the relaunch of the Scottish Youth Parliament's website; notes that improved features include a redesign and a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) finder facility aimed at improving links between young people, MSPs and MSYPs; believes that the Youth Parliament continues to play an important role in representing the views of young people in Scotland, and encourages all MSPs, and the wider public, to make use of the new website.
How much can you possibly congratulate a Parliament that spawned John Loughton?
Worst press release ever?
LABOUR in the Scottish Parliament
News Release
Immediate Release
Friday December 5, 2008
LABOUR TELL SNP 'SCOTLAND IS A NATION'
Scottish Labour is calling on the SNP to accept that Scotland is a nation. Alex Neil said in a press release that he will be presenting his case against the HBOS merger to a 'national audience' on Channel 4. Does he think that when he appears on Scottish programmes he is only addressing a region?
Scottish Labour Finance Spokesman David Whitton said:
"Alex Neil seems to think that Scotland is only a region.
"He says his appearance on Channel 4 is before a 'national audience'. Well, I believe I am speaking to a 'national audience' when I appear on programmes in Scotland.
"Alex Neil should accept that Scotland is a nation and apologise for his patronising slur."
ENDS
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Scots Wha Hae?
These 2 motions are so strikingly and pointlessly similar that there is even a subtle namecheck from one to the other!
Short Title: New Translation of the Universal Declaration o Human Richts
S3M-03031 Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament
welcomes the publication by Amnesty International of a Scots language version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in poster format, in time for its 60th Anniversary on 10 December 2008; believes this will help to promote awareness and understanding of both the human rights agenda and the importance of the Scots language; reaffirms its belief in the declaration’s opening statement that "All human beings born free and equal in dignity and rights", which translates as "Aw human sowels is born free and equal in dignity and richts"; notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the most translated documents in history and welcomes the Scots and Gaelic translations of it, and further reaffirms its commitment and respect for fundamental human rights, irrespective of language or any other distinction.
Short Title: European Parliament Civil Liberties Committee’s Recognition of Right to be Educated in and Speak Scots and Gaelic
S3M-03035 Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament, further to motion S3M-3022 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (European Parliament Committee’s Concern at Human Rights Abuses), welcomes the desire of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee to promote regional or minority languages, and specifically the statement that it believes that "the right to speak and to be educated in one’s mother tongue is one of the most basic fundamental rights", and accordingly expresses the opinion that failure to provide education in Scots and Gaelic to the children of native speakers of these languages should be considered a breach of human rights.
Short Title: New Translation of the Universal Declaration o Human Richts
S3M-03031 Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament
welcomes the publication by Amnesty International of a Scots language version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in poster format, in time for its 60th Anniversary on 10 December 2008; believes this will help to promote awareness and understanding of both the human rights agenda and the importance of the Scots language; reaffirms its belief in the declaration’s opening statement that "All human beings born free and equal in dignity and rights", which translates as "Aw human sowels is born free and equal in dignity and richts"; notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the most translated documents in history and welcomes the Scots and Gaelic translations of it, and further reaffirms its commitment and respect for fundamental human rights, irrespective of language or any other distinction.
Short Title: European Parliament Civil Liberties Committee’s Recognition of Right to be Educated in and Speak Scots and Gaelic
S3M-03035 Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament, further to motion S3M-3022 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (European Parliament Committee’s Concern at Human Rights Abuses), welcomes the desire of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee to promote regional or minority languages, and specifically the statement that it believes that "the right to speak and to be educated in one’s mother tongue is one of the most basic fundamental rights", and accordingly expresses the opinion that failure to provide education in Scots and Gaelic to the children of native speakers of these languages should be considered a breach of human rights.
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