Duncan Hamilton: On positive alternatives, is the minister aware of the success of Neil MacCormick MEP in convincing the European Commission to treat peninsulas in the same way as islands for the provision of additional public service obligations? If so, will he consider having additional routes from Campbeltown, not just to Ballycastle but to the central belt, using the same rationale that we have used in Cowal?
Duncan Hamilton: To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on the future of the air service between Glasgow and Barra. (S1O-6703)
Duncan Hamilton: On behalf of the people of Barra, I ask the minister to confirm that the two-year extension to the review period is simply a stay of execution rather than a long-term commitment to the route. Will he take the opportunity of the additional two-year review to guarantee that the Scottish transport appraisal guidance will be met in full before any ultimate decision is taken? I asked him that...
Duncan Hamilton: Before the minister leaves the subject of air services, will he say something about the announcement that he made about the Barra air service? Will the extension of two years allow him to give Parliament a commitment today that the full requirements of the Scottish transport appraisal guidelines will be implemented before any decision is taken?
Duncan Hamilton: I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate. I should also say that I agree with just about everything that he said, which is a strange, but nonetheless welcome, position for me to find myself in. It was interesting that Tavish Scott started by telling us that he was somewhat disconcerted to find himself top of the list in the Daily Mail. I suspect that when some members consider the...
Duncan Hamilton: I am grateful for that intervention. The point that comes out of that is that whether it involves working with the Republic of Ireland, Ayrshire or anywhere else we must be creative about what we do to secure the future of that ferry route, because in many ways it is the final hope for Campbeltown. George Lyon will remember well that it was the big issue in Campbeltown in 1998 ahead of the...
Duncan Hamilton: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports full implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Commission including recommendations to modernise charity law and create a new definition of "public benefit", an independent regulator, a transparent register of charities and a single point for advice on charity law compliance.
Duncan Hamilton: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the development of Oban Airport.
Duncan Hamilton: To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of "value for public money" in respect of the Glasgow to Barra air link, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the debate on the Glasgow to Barra air link on 15 January 2003 ( Official Report , c 17011).
Duncan Hamilton: As the Parliament wrestles with the enormity of the possible international conflict, members are asking themselves, "What can we do about it?" This is no day for grandstanding or great rhetorical flourishes. Indeed, the Parliament has risen to the occasion by having a mature and considered debate. However, we are here to hold to account, to question, to challenge, to argue, to debate and to...
Duncan Hamilton: I appreciate that, Presiding Officer. Resolution 1441 refers to resolution 678 to ensure that the matter goes back to the Security Council. Indeed, the resolution specifically refers to that. The Conservatives talk about what the resolution says, or does not say, about "serious consequences". However, it is enough to say that the phrase "serious consequences" is not the same as "all...
Duncan Hamilton: Will the member give way?
Duncan Hamilton: Mr McLetchie is right to quote the term "serious consequences". Will he confirm that the definition of "serious consequences" is a matter for the Security Council alone and that it is not for member states to define the term as they wish?
Duncan Hamilton: I gather that I was showing up on the Presiding Officer's screen as Alex Neil. That is truly terrifying for all concerned. This could be a special day for the Parliament, whose reputation has been battered and bruised in the Highlands and Islands, as it has across Scotland. However, with this emotive and symbolic legislation the Parliament can send out a very strong message. It is not every...
Duncan Hamilton: No, I will not give way at this point. I draw to members' attention the committee's report, because it details innovative prospects for getting around the problem. It suggests that, rather than drawing arbitrary lines on a map, we could use a more sophisticated demographic profile and consider areas such as Edinburgh, or Glasgow, or any area where there is a demand. There is a way around the...
Duncan Hamilton: I am sorry, but I do not have time. I say to the Executive that the one thing that we need to hear from the minister when he sums up is that the Executive will give the bill parliamentary time and lodge amendments to give it every prospect of being on the statute book. Nobody can know the result of the election and, frankly, this issue is far too big for us to get involved in petty point...
Duncan Hamilton: I am grateful to the minister for giving way. Has Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba now met and has it reached a view on whether it is in favour of the bill?
Duncan Hamilton: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it regards Bute, Muck, Eigg and Skye as islands.
Duncan Hamilton: Will the minister take an intervention?
Duncan Hamilton: I have two initial points, one of consensus and one of discord. I join other members in welcoming the debate and congratulating Jamie Stone on securing it, but I ask the Presiding Officer to reflect on the fact that not a single Labour member is present, apart from the minister. We are delighted to have her here, but in view of the massed ranks that could have been in the chamber, I make the...
