Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds were or have been available for use in Lightburn Hospital in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009 and (d) 2010.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place between Glasgow City Council’s social work department and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde concerning bed or ward closures at Lightburn Hospital.
Margaret Curran: I lodged a similar amendment at stage 2, but decided to bring the issue back at stage 3. At stage 2, the proposal was agreed in principle, and the minister indicated that he would introduce the proposal. Nothing has happened yet, although I appreciate that the minister will drive the proposal forward. However, this is an opportunity for the Parliament's voice to be heard in support of...
Margaret Curran: I am surprised by the Tories' decision and confused by the SNP's decision. I am surprised by the Tories, who seem to be putting hurdles in the way of what is a straightforward proposal. I must say to Bill Aitken that of course emotion is involved in such circumstances, but we should not deny victims the right to speak in case they get emotional or say that professionals are more objective so...
Margaret Curran: To Stewart Maxwell, I say that I will be driven by the experience in Glasgow and Scotland rather than by research from the United States. I am moved to speak in the debate because of the experience of my constituents—such as Sam, who is in the public gallery today—who have lost their loved ones in a knife-crime incident and now have a tragedy that lasts forever. Members of this...
Margaret Curran: I would love to, but I do not have time. If we agree to the proposal in the bill today, a message will run round Scotland that we no longer accept the carrying of knives. That message of "No ducking, no diving, if you carry a knife, you will face the consequences" will be understood on our streets. Scotland needs that wake-up call. I am sad to say that the Scottish Government needs that as ...
Margaret Curran: I always like to make Gavin Brown happy; he knows that. Of course I will vote for Pauline McNeill's amendment, but let us not be diverted by a minor part of the Calman report. We all know that it has the substantial support of the Parliament and its core must be protected. I hope that the member will promise me in his response that he will protect the core of the Calman report.
Margaret Curran: I am disappointed that Annabel Goldie is not in the chamber to hear this because I wanted to begin with a surprise and thank her for giving us so many quotations today that we can use ad nauseam in debates. I am very grateful for her recognition of Alex Salmond's admiration for David Cameron and the idea of liberal conservatism to which we will return in debates. Perhaps I will refer to that...
Margaret Curran: I ask Mary Scanlon to bear with me for a bit. I also thank the Conservatives for the timing of today's debate. We have just gone through significant shifts in our political circumstances in Scotland and the United Kingdom, so it is an apposite debate. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my change in circumstances as I have joined Cathy Jamieson on those green benches. I, too, have...
Margaret Curran: I will come to some of those points later, but it will be no surprise to Mary Scanlon, who knows me well, to hear that I am a bit too long in the tooth to fall for the idea that one visit from a Prime Minister somehow translates into respect. It is incumbent on all of us in Scotland to take serious note of the Scottish electorate's views as expressed in the recent general election: their...
Margaret Curran: My most striking reflection on that coalition—I had many discussions on the subject—is how the two parties remained distinct from one another. We sat separately and were very distinct. What is most striking about the coalition down south has been its automatic integration. I am sure that we will debate that point many times in the future. I will mention briefly the respect agenda. It is...
Margaret Curran: Will the member give way?
Margaret Curran: Will Mike Rumbles outline what measures the coalition Government is taking this year to protect and safeguard jobs in Scotland?
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive how many taxis requested by NHS patients to Network Private Hire Ltd, Glasgow, have failed to arrive since the company gained the award of the contract to provide taxi services in the Greater Glasgow area of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of taxis requested by NHS patients to Network Private Hire Ltd, Glasgow, has failed to arrive since the company gained the award of the contract to provide taxi services in the Greater Glasgow area of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and how many times this was due to the taxi driver not having enhanced disclosure certification.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of drivers employed by Network Private Hire Ltd, Glasgow, has enhanced disclosure certification.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any plans for all drivers employed by Network Private Hire Ltd, Glasgow, to have enhanced disclosure certification.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive when the Curriculum for Excellence excellence group will be established.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive what the guidelines are when making a decision as to whether a (a) police officer, (b) member of the fire brigade and (c) prison officer is suspended or given restricted duties following an official charge being brought against them.
Margaret Curran: To ask the Scottish Executive how many serving police officers are on restricted duties as a result of a charge being brought against them.
