Adam Ingram: I congratulate John Scott on securing the debate, which is on a subject that both of us are happy to work together to promote. For the benefit of members, although the airport falls within John Scott’s constituency, the aerospace part lies within mine. In any case, the whole of Ayrshire is united in its desire to see the aerospace industry and the airport thrive and prosper after some...
Adam Ingram: 7. To ask the Scottish Government how it assists offenders in tackling drug abuse problems. (S4O-04220)
Adam Ingram: I was going to ask a supplementary question about drug treatment and testing orders but Annabel Goldie pre-empted me. Perhaps it is a question of great minds thinking alike—or perhaps not. DTTOs appear to be having some impact on reducing reconviction rates. How will the minister build on that? Can he bring other measures into play to help to reduce reconviction?
Adam Ingram: 2. To ask the Scottish Government what lessons the national health service in Scotland can learn from the freedom to speak up review about having an open and honest reporting culture. (S4O-04205)
Adam Ingram: Will the cabinet secretary, as the Francis review recommends, review the law to prevent discrimination and victimisation such as has been suffered by my constituent Dr Sukhomoy Das, which forced him to take Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board to an expensive employment tribunal to prove his case?
Adam Ingram: I congratulate Alex Rowley on securing this evening’s debate, and I very much support the general thrust of his argument and observations. That said, I take some issue with his motion—particularly the reference to the “limited success” of the Scottish coal industry task force. The phrase “damning with faint praise” comes to mind. From my perspective, the task force has been a...
Adam Ingram: 4. To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the proposal to exempt restoration-related coal production from carbon taxes. (S4O-03964)
Adam Ingram: I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, which is good news. However, he will be aware that failed opencast companies have left a bitter legacy in affected communities, including mistrust regarding permissions for coal extraction. What reassurance can the cabinet secretary provide that the proposal from Hargreaves Services, if approved by the Treasury, will deliver the full restoration...
Adam Ingram: I ask Mr Macdonald why Labour has come to this so late in the day. He might recall that, two years ago, the coal industry suffered a major crisis, with two of its main companies going bust. Why was there no resilience fund for the coalfield communities that I represent?
Adam Ingram: As I have been made redundant twice in my career, I can vouch for the authenticity of the introduction to the PACE guide that is issued to people who face that prospect, which states: “Redundancy can be one of the most challenging and stressful things you’ll ever face. And you’ll understandably feel daunted and unsure of what to do next”. Thankfully, nowadays, PACE is there to help...
Adam Ingram: 5. To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the rail investment proposals in the Industrial Communities Alliance’s paper, “Tracks to Work”. (S4O-03915)
Adam Ingram: I thank the minister for his response. What investment specifically is planned for the Glasgow south-western line in order to improve the frequency of the service? Also, are there any plans to add a new rail halt at Mauchline?
Adam Ingram: Will the First Minister intercede on behalf of the 200-strong workforce of USC Dundonald in Ayrshire, who yesterday were made redundant without notice by their employer—part of the Sports Direct group of companies? Will she join me in condemning the actions of Sports Direct, which is of course owned by billionaire Mike Ashley, in its reprehensible treatment of this workforce, many of whom,...
Adam Ingram: 3. To ask the Scottish Government how the proposals in the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill will help deter trafficking through airports. (S4O-03853)
Adam Ingram: I thank the minister for the extensive answer. The bill is very welcome indeed and will help to give my constituents the reassurance that we will not tolerate the use of our airports for this heinous crime. The bill will require the creation of a Scottish human trafficking strategy. How does the Government intend to work with the airports in drafting that strategy to ensure that they are...
Adam Ingram: 3. To ask the Scottish Government what information it has about trends in the use of food banks in Scotland. (S4O-03843)
Adam Ingram: I thank the minister for her answer, which is very disappointing. Will the welfare powers coming to the Parliament from the Smith commission process allow us to turn back and eradicate the shameful growth of food poverty in this country, which has been created by United Kingdom austerity policies?
Adam Ingram: 6. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government about reintroducing the post-study work visa. (S4O-03576)
Adam Ingram: I thank the cabinet secretary for his answer. Can he confirm that he will work with Universities Scotland and others who wish to see a reintroduction of the post-study work route to ensure that the Smith commission will consider devolving immigration?
Adam Ingram: What progress is being made on the restoration of opencast mining sites, particularly in my area of East Ayrshire, which has, as the minister is well aware, been hardest hit by the failure of coal companies to fulfil their historical obligations in that regard?
