Spending Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 4:10 pm on 20 September 2000.

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Photo of David Davidson David Davidson Conservative 4:10, 20 September 2000

Is Mr Rumbles the new spokesman for Labour? That is interesting. I remember a number of things at that meeting that I will not go into but that made the Liberal Democrats look rather foolish. We did not agree the need for increased spending—other MSPs were present—but we discussed what happened at the local government settlement and the farce of the Liberal revolt.

The minister mentioned resource accounting. We have to have a guarantee of transparency, clarity about spending statements—which should be made in the chamber—and the year-end balances should be dealt with in a clear and honest manner.

I shall try to respond to some of what the minister said. We welcome the renewed spending on health—much of it was flagged up in the past—but we ask again: will the Executive fund Sutherland? We are not asking whether the Executive will put it on a back burner, but whether it will fund it.