Executive Accountability to Parliament

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 3:04 pm on 1 November 2000.

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Photo of Henry McLeish Henry McLeish Labour 3:04, 1 November 2000

Yes, Sir David, let us continue in a measured way— [Interruption.] Hurling abuse across the chamber is not my preferred way of debating anything. The core of the issue is that I expect leaders of political parties, including me, to be slightly aware of things that are going on in the Parliament and in committees.

My point is simply this: section 23 revolves around the words "require" and "request". When John Swinney spoke to Donald Dewar, there was a request from committees for information, not a requirement. John Swinney has made a political gaffe. He weighed into the debate that afternoon accusing the then First Minister of not understanding, not being aware of or not deploying section 23. Really, there was no challenge to be knocked back, because, at that point, processes in the Parliament, committee conveners and ministers were at work. Then, hey presto! Whether with opportunism or naivety, John Swinney weighed in and made a complex situation more difficult.

My question is: what has happened to the SNP's section 23 motion? Let us have an answer on that point; that would be useful.