Points of Order

– in the Scottish Parliament at 5:02 pm on 3 October 2002.

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Photo of Sandra White Sandra White Scottish National Party 5:02, 3 October 2002

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. During the previous debate, Karen Gillon accused our members of not voting for the School Meals (Scotland) Bill to proceed beyond stage 1.

Photo of Duncan McNeil Duncan McNeil Labour

That is not a point of order.

Photo of Sandra White Sandra White Scottish National Party

It is a point of order. What Karen Gillon said was untrue. I ask her to withdraw that remark.

Photo of Lord David Steel Lord David Steel Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

I am sorry to repeat what I said earlier this afternoon, but what members say in the chamber is a matter for them, not for the chair.

Photo of Lord David Steel Lord David Steel Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

Order.

Does your point of order refer back to what was said this afternoon, Mr Russell?

Photo of Michael Russell Michael Russell Scottish National Party

No. My point of order follows on from the point that Sandra White has just made. If the parliamentary record of a vote that was taken is misrepresented in the chamber, surely that is a matter for the Presiding Officer. The record shows that what was said was not true.

Photo of Lord David Steel Lord David Steel Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

That may be so, but having checked standing orders after listening to what you said earlier this afternoon, I think that you have invented a standing order that does not exist. [Interruption.] Order. I do not mean this unkindly, but it is not the case that the Presiding Officer is responsible for misrepresentation in the chamber, as you suggested. You cannot involve me in arguments about what is or is not correct.

Photo of Michael Russell Michael Russell Scottish National Party

I am always more hopeful than most that that standing order should exist. However, the reality is that a reference was made to a vote that was taken that was on the record. That vote was misrepresented. Surely the Presiding Officer as the defender of the Parliament should correct the impression that was given.

Photo of Lord David Steel Lord David Steel Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

If I had to correct every mistake that was made in the chamber, I would have another job on my hands.

Photo of Karen Gillon Karen Gillon Labour

I want to point out that, as Mr Russell was not in the chamber, he does not know what I said. I referred not to a vote but to a procedure. [Interruption.]

Photo of Lord David Steel Lord David Steel Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament

Order. Members cannot continue debating something on points of order. That is becoming a habit.