03/11/2011 Politics Scotland

The -- good afternoon. Welcome to the Scottish Parliament. Lots going

on as ever. The economy and controversy over the anti-

sectarianism bill. Still that controversy over the potential

impact of independence on energy policy. Let's see how many of those

topics come up in First Minister's Questions.

Today will be the Deputy First Minister answering the questions as

Alex Salmond is currently abroad. Let's listen in. To ask the Deputy

First Minister what engagements she has planned for the rest are the

day. Can I begin today by paying tribute to Campbell Christie, a

true giant of Scottish public life? His pot -- his contribution to

Scotland speaks for itself. A key campaigner of this Parliament and

chairman of Falkirk Football Club. Latterly, he was to chair of the

Christie commission into public sector reform. His legacy is

immense and it will undoubtedly stand the test of time. I am sure

that the chamber will want to send our condolences to his family at

this sad time. Later today, will have meetings to take forward the

Government's programme for Scotland. Those were welcome words from a

Deputy First Minister regarding Campbell. I look forward to

celebrating his life at Falkirk Football Stadium tomorrow. Analysts

from Citigroup this week are telling global clients not to

invest in Scotland because of the Government's separatist agenda. Is

it not now clear that the uncertainty created by a separation

referendum is going to damage this country's economy? You know, I

looked very closely at Iain Gray as he asked that question, just to see

if he was at all shamefaced? Won the very morning when we learn that

there is �400 billion of revenue still to be extracted from the

North Sea, only Iain Gray could stand up and questioned Scotland's

ability to be independent. On the question of the city gripped report,

we disagree with it and think it is wrong. It is based on two

fundamental flops. Firstly, the report ignores the reality. The

reality is that investment is happening now. In the context of

alive independence debate, �750 million in the last 12 months.

Mitsubishi and others. That is the reality. The second false

assumption, the erroneous assumption, that somehow post-

independence the rest of the UK will no longer buys Scottish energy.

It is patent nonsense. I know Iain Gray is not normally one to miss

the opportunity to clutch at any passing straw, but today he really

have excelled himself. I looked very closely at the news about the

potential of Aberdeen and I believe that it has that potential. What

that report says is that that potential will only be realised if

we have a transparent and stable fiscal regime. The very thing the

City group is saying that they are jeopardising. But, you know, if

they Deputy First Minister want listen to investors on energy, what

about the engineers? In 25 minutes, the Institution of Mechanical

Engineers will brief the report about Scottish energy in this

building. It will say of the SNP's 100% renewables plan, this cannot

be justified from an engineering perspective. It will say there are

currently no credible strategies from the technical point of view

published by the Government. It will say, without far reaching

changes in government policy, the target will not be met. I think

Scottish engineers are the best in the world. Does the Deputy First

Minister think she knows better than them? To go back to the news

from Aberdeen, Iain Gray talks about fiscal arrangements. Has it

escaped his notice that the fiscal arrangements that have the

potential to damage our North Sea potential are those from the UK

Government? That is a point that he has ignored. And let me say this.

Iain Gray asks who knows best? Will, I ask him if he thinks he knows

better than Roy MacGregor, the chairman of Global Energy Group.

This is what he has to say. The investment is happening in full

knowledge of the Scottish Government's plan for a referendum.

Renewables are being deployed in part thanks to that First Minister

who has demonstrated a vision that investors want to see. Scotland's

ability to produce power is a massive asset and one that is

prospering. You know, just for once, Iain Gray could maybe give up the

opportunity to come to this chamber and talks got wind down. -- and it

talks Scotland down. I did see the letter in the press. I just thought

that Roy MacGregor saw it first. That is a very welcome investment

by a Scottish company, but the Deputy First Minister is still

answering question one. Question to was about to what Scottish

engineers are saying about the SNP's energy policy. They are

saying that energy policy has to be based on an understanding of energy

supply technologies, not political expediency. They are trying to be

polite, but we're talking about Alex Salmond. Is the Deputy First

Minister going to listen, or is she going to send Kevin Pringle of to

forge a new engineering report in the Professor's names? Iain Gray is

so predictable at first minister's questions that I actually answered

question to in answer one. I pointed to the massive renewables

investment currently underway in Scotland. �750 million of new

renewable energy and -- L it is today project began generating in

Scotland in the last 12 months. There is a pipeline of 17 gigawatts

worth of projects. At total capital investment of �46 billion, ready to

create thousands of new jobs for Scotland. I don't think the

contrast -- the stark contrast between Iain Gray and the First

Minister will be lost on anybody today. The First Minister overseas

fighting Scotland's corner, winning investment for Scotland. Iain Gray,

at home, talking Scotland down. As usual. Can we have a brief final

question and answer? There are none so death as those who will not here.

This report says... This report says there is no credible plan,

there is no credible pipeline, there is no route map to achieving

the SNP's renewable energy targets. The SNP say this is their key

policy for Scotland's future. But they have not got a clue about it.

Investors say they referendum makes it unsupportable and separation

makes it an affordable. But the people who actually build the

technology on the ground say it is technically undeliverable. Last

week, the First Minister had to apologise for misleading Parliament.

Isn't he misleading Scotland on energy every day of every week?

There is a renewables route map published by this government. I

suggest Iain Gray reads it. The companies are investing. Mitsubishi,

design and a messiah. Iain Gray talks about people not wanting to

hear. -- Mitsubishi and two other companies. There was a quote that

it was time for Labour to realise that it is not that people don't

hear the message, it is people don't like what they are hearing

from Scottish Labour. I think it is time that Iain Gray paid attention

to that very message. To ask the Deputy First Minister when she will

next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland. Sadly, I have no

plans to meet the Secretary of State for Scotland in the near

future. This week's Citigroup report was not actually talking

about oil and gas. It was talking about SNP energy policy,

particularly renewable power. What it specifically warned that -- was

that an independent Scotland would require an annual subsidy of �4

billion. That is an estimated height of �900 per household. Their

Deputy First Minister described the report as wrong and flawed. Can she

tell me which bit of these estimates is wrong and flogged? If

she can't, how can she possibly justifies such an intolerable

burden on Scotland? Can I say to Annabel Goldie, and I am sure she

will be relieved to hear this, I don't intend to replicate the love-

in between her and Alex Salmond of last week. But Savill recognise

that it is her last appearance here and I thank her for her

contribution. I wish her well in the future on behalf of the whole

chamber. I disagree with of the conclusions in the City Group

report. It is interesting to note that the Tories have learned

nothing in 15 years. John Major said in 1997, it will frighten off

inward investment. What he was talking about them was devolution.

Labour said then that he was wrong. They have now adopted the Tory

responses. The fact of the matter is that renewables is as success

story. -- a success story in Scotland. It is something we're

doing incredibly well and have the potential to do even better in.

Surely even the opposition parties in this Parliament can find it

within themselves to get behind this Government's ambition? I refer

to her specific point in my previous answer. Peter Jones makes

this point in the Times newspaper today. This report is based on the

air warriors get assumption that after independence the rest of the

UK would not by renewable energy from Scotland. In order to get

anywhere near their obligations, Dean Eades Scottish Renewables.

That is the reality. The Deputy First Minister may rest assured I

shall not conduct a love-in. But I shall thank her for her kind

remarks. I have immensely enjoyed my position as leader of my party

in Scotland. Do not give up hope, dear. I am accustomed -- there was

no surprise that the comment from the First Minister to the report

was, so what? But the reality is that in an independent Scotland

when we are generating nearly all of our own energy from renewables,

somebody has to foot the bill. Either households and businesses...

It is interesting how uncomfortable the SNP is. Either, households and

businesses fork out much more money than they are doing at the moment

to pay their bills, or tax is increased to let government pay the

subsidy. Why doesn't she first met, the best way to maintaining and

energy supply at affordable levels in Scotland is for Scotland to stay

within the United Kingdom? response to Annabel Goldie's

earlier remarks, I think I can say without fear of contradiction that

I am probably the only Deputy Leader in this Parliament that can

say I am perfectly happy with my current leader, thank you. At the

end of for a question, I was not sure if she was going to extol the

virtues of the Union up or nuclear power. On both, I think the Tories

are increasingly out of touch. Let me make this simple for her. In

order to get anywhere near the renewable energy obligations that

the UK Government has to meet, it is going to need Scottish

Renewables. The price they pay for that Scottish energy will reflect

that. This is a success story for Scotland. This is a near the Opera

Scotland has the potential for enormous growth and great job

creation. I think it is time all members of this Parliament got

behind the renewables revolution in Scotland and stopped talking it

As the Deputy First Minister is aware, the decision to consult the

future of the factory in my constituency. Dodgy share my

concern that this consultation should be genuine, Oban and

hopeful? If worst comes to worst, can she did meet assurances that a

Scottish Government will be able to step in and help the employees?

am aware of this situation, and I can understand his concern and the

deep concern of his constituents. The news of plans to end production

is obviously extremely disappointing. I want to reassure

him that the Scottish Government's team have already made contact with

the company to see what assistance can be offered to those employees

affected by this announcement. We stand ready to help in any way we

can. What issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet?

At the next meeting of the Cabinet, we will discuss issues of

importance to the people of Scotland. Over 1000 deaths and

countless acts of anti-social behaviour in Scotland. As a result

of the abuse of cheap alcohol. How concerned is the Deputy First

Minister that the details are Oakley -- openly promoted, to get

around the law agreed by this Parliament last year? Will she join

me in condemning misbehaviour? thank Willie Rennie for an

important question. The quantity discount than in my view is

extremely important. If it stops someone going into a supermarket

intending to buy only one bottle of wine and then buying three, that is

a step in the right direction. But make no mistake, the quantity

discount ban was intended to operate in conjunction with minimum

pricing, and it will be much stronger when it does operate in

conjunction with minimum pricing. And I welcome Willie Rennie's

comments, and can I welcome him in his party's support for minimum

pricing. And look forward to persuading others that it is the

right thing to do. Big business has already tried to undermine the

democratic will of this Parliament on the 2010 legislation. As she

points out, we support alcohol minimum pricing, as do others in

the parliament. Some businesses get it as well, and support the plans.

But others do not understand that they have a social responsibility

to the communities in which they operate. Big businesses lost the

argument on the need for strong action on alcohol. Now they resort

to threats of legal tactics using their wealth and might. What

message does the Deputy First Minister have for big business

acting in this destructive way? How is this government going to get the

message out to them that they need to back off? He is spot on to

mention and highlight the fact that significant and key players in the

alcohol industry do now support minimum pricing. I welcome that.

And again, I look forward to persuading other members and other

parts of the industry as well. Companies will take their own

decisions, and it is their right to do so. But if this Bill does pass,

I really hope that companies and indeed others across Scotland will

recognise the clear will of this Parliament, and I hope they will

act in a socially responsible manner. There is no doubt in my

mind that minimum pricing, while it is not a magic solution, in and of

itself it will not solve our problem, it is an essential part of

a comprehensive approach. It is the missing bit of the jigsaw, and I

look forward today when this Parliament put that right. -- to

the day. To ask the Deputy First Minister how the Scottish

Government can alleviate the financial pressures of charities

and voluntary organisations? third sector has a major role in

Scotland's future, especially during a period of austerity. Over

the next three years, we will provide �73.5 million to the sector.

This compares to funding of �62.1 million so that this year's of the

last administration. Despite the difficult financial pressures, this

represents an increase of funding of �18.3 million. I thank the

Deputy First Minister for her assurances. As has been noted,

Campbell Christie is sorely missed. In his report last June, he

highlighted that we must prioritise expenditure on public services

which prevent negative outcomes from arising. Will she ensure that

women and children with experience of domestic abuse in Caithness,

Sutherland and Ross Show and across Scotland get the level of funding

for the services they need from the Scottish Government as a lead

partner in their support, and urge local authorities to maintain and

improve their own contributions, and not that these vital funds?

agree absolutely with both the detail and the thrust of his

question. It touches on the importance of preventative spending,

something that John Swinney in his recent Budget prioritise. It also

highlights the importance of the work of many organisations working

to combat violence against women. I met with some of them this week.

What gives them will be aware that the quality budget in the draft

budget has been maintained, not withstanding the circumstances we

face. And I would very much hope that subject to due process, that

will allow us to continue the good financial support we give to

organisations like women's aid to enable them to do the vital work

they do. Will the Deputy First Minister agree that a cut of five %

to the funding of Coatbridge will have a huge impact on their ability

to sustain services, and what action can she take to ensure that

my constituents do not suffer a withdrawal curtailment of these

services? Absolutely, I appreciate and recognised the vital work that

cab does. I used to in a previous life work in this sector myself,

not for them but I know the importance of that work. The legal

aid budget for advice services is being protected clearly. The

financial circumstances we live in, which are outside the control of

this parliament, are having an impact in many areas. But we will

continue to do what we can to protect frontline services and

prioritise spending on preventative measures. And organisations like

Cab have our utmost support and respect. As to ask the First

Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that

respite provision for carers is available across Scotland? Can I

begin by thanking carers across Scotland for the commitment and

support they provide. I would also want to begin by at very open

recognition that there is still much we need to do to ensure that

respite provision for carers is adequate in all parts of Scotland.

But it is the case that we have increased the number of respite

weeks by more than 10,000. That will benefit carers, and I would

hope that Jackie Baillie and other members would welcome that

achievement. So I thank her for her response, and joined with her in

acknowledged in the valuable work that carers do. But will she share

my disappointment that over one third of Scottish councils are

cutting respite provision, and does she really believe it is right that

there is double-counting of respite care? A seven-night stay in a

residential home kinds somehow as two-and-a-half weeks of respite

care. And does she agree with the statistical service which has

acknowledged the double counting, effectively confirming that

Scotland's careers have been misled and let down? I regret the tone of

Jackie Baillie's question. Because I did try to be constructive in my

previous answer. I do think this is an area of real importance, and we

have more to do. And I readily acknowledge that. Jackie Baillie is

not strictly accurate on her point about the difficulties of data

collection, which we did acknowledge. The point she raises

means the figures are not comparable between councils, but it

does not affect the changes and the increase in respite weeks over time.

I do recognise we have more to do here, all of us owe an enormous

debt of gratitude to carers, and that debt has to be expressed in

tangible and meaningful ways. That is why we are investing �3 million

this year for short breaks. It is why we have said very clearly that

the changes Fund, 20 % of that has to go on support for carers. I

recognised the real progress that has been made here, but I also

recognise the fact that we still have work to do in improving

provision generally, and making sure that improvement is consistent

across the country. I would hope this of all issues is one we could

UNITE on and get behind the efforts of the government to see

improvements. Given that the charitable, voluntary and

independent sectors can provide high quality respite care at

competitive rates, how will the Deputy First Minister ensure they

are given equal access and consideration in the tender process

for respite care? I mentioned in my previous answer investment of �3

million. Last year, we invested �1 million, that is increasing to �3

million this year for short breaks, provision by the voluntary sector.

The role of the voluntary sector cannot be overstated. It is vital.

I also mention that change Fund and the 20 % set aside in that for

carers, support for carers. The involvement of the voluntary sector

in that is also vital. These are all legitimate. Backs, and I

recognise and take them on board. We are going in the right direction,

but there is still a lot for us to do. Can ask what actions the

Scottish Government is taking to tackle knife crime? Every single

knife incident is one too many. Latest official statistics show a

downward trajectory in the fight Against bats, but there will be no

let up in our efforts. That is why only this week following a doubling

of funding, the Justice Secretary has announced the roll-out of the

No Knives, Better Lives campaign to six new areas of Scotland. I thank

the Deputy First Minister for her reply. Bill the Government welcome

the publication this week of the Scottish crime and just a survey,

which shows these benefit of police in our communities. I do indeed

welcome that survey, published this week, showing that overall crime is

down significantly. Recorded crime is at a 35 year low. I think that

is directly related to give 1000 extra police officers put on the

streets of Scotland by this Justice Secretary and this government. And

our commitment to keeping them there will help drive crime down

even further. I was disturbed to read in that survey the link

between crime and particularly violent crime and alcohol, of which

simply strengthens my resolve to take tough action so insulting and

addressing our problem with alcohol issues.

Coming to the close of our coverage of First Minister's Questions.

Certainly no nothing, despite Annabel Goldie's last day. Iain

Gray and Annabel Goldie focused on the city Group report on the impact

on energy in Scotland, it provided them with meat and substance. But

there was time for Annabel Goldie to suggest to Nicola Sturgeon that

her time might come in its own time to be leader of the SNP. Nicola

Sturgeon declaring she was privately content with her current