21/02/2013

:00:21. > :00:23.Welcome to Politics Scotland. We Welcome to Politics Scotland. We

:00:23. > :00:25.Welcome to Politics Scotland. We are rattling good. The main talking

:00:25. > :00:26.are rattling good. The main talking are rattling good. The main talking

:00:26. > :00:29.point is a hospital waiting times. point is a hospital waiting times.

:00:29. > :00:30.point is a hospital waiting times. point is a hospital waiting times.

:00:30. > :00:32.-- we are at Holyrood. There is a -- we are at Holyrood. There is a

:00:32. > :00:34.-- we are at Holyrood. There is a statement on that this this

:00:34. > :00:35.statement on that this this statement on that this this

:00:35. > :00:36.afternoon. It might come up in afternoon. It might come up in

:00:36. > :00:37.afternoon. It might come up in First Minister's Questions. That is

:00:37. > :00:40.First Minister's Questions. That is First Minister's Questions. That is

:00:40. > :00:43.the main focus of this programme. the main focus of this programme.

:00:43. > :00:46.the main focus of this programme. the main focus of this programme.

:00:46. > :00:47.Just ahead of my day and First Just ahead of my day and First

:00:47. > :00:54.Minister's Questions. The question Minister's Questions. The question

:00:54. > :00:58.Minister's Questions. The question being billed with his -- being

:00:58. > :01:00.being billed with his -- being being billed with his -- being

:01:00. > :01:01.dealt with his flooding. No time dealt with his flooding. No time

:01:01. > :01:04.dealt with his flooding. No time for further general questions, or

:01:04. > :01:05.for further general questions, or for further general questions, or

:01:05. > :01:07.on to the main event. on to the main event.

:01:07. > :01:08.on to the main event. What engagements as he planned for

:01:08. > :01:09.What engagements as he planned for What engagements as he planned for

:01:09. > :01:10.What engagements as he planned for the rest of the day? Engagements to

:01:10. > :01:16.the rest of the day? Engagements to the rest of the day? Engagements to

:01:16. > :01:17.take forward to the Government's take forward to the Government's

:01:17. > :01:18.take forward to the Government's programme for Scotland. In June

:01:18. > :01:19.programme for Scotland. In June programme for Scotland. In June

:01:19. > :01:21.2,000 there are 11, the Scottish 2,000 there are 11, the Scottish

:01:21. > :01:22.2,000 there are 11, the Scottish government told us only 3% of

:01:22. > :01:23.government told us only 3% of government told us only 3% of

:01:23. > :01:25.government told us only 3% of patients had to wait more than nine

:01:25. > :01:27.patients had to wait more than nine weeks for in-patient appointment.

:01:27. > :01:32.weeks for in-patient appointment. weeks for in-patient appointment.

:01:32. > :01:33.weeks for in-patient appointment. The truth was not 3%, the truth was

:01:33. > :01:35.The truth was not 3%, the truth was The truth was not 3%, the truth was

:01:35. > :01:37.The truth was not 3%, the truth was 23%. Not three out of 100, but one

:01:37. > :01:38.23%. Not three out of 100, but one 23%. Not three out of 100, but one

:01:38. > :01:39.out of four patients waiting. Why out of four patients waiting. Why

:01:39. > :01:41.out of four patients waiting. Why did the Scottish government so

:01:41. > :01:46.did the Scottish government so did the Scottish government so

:01:46. > :01:47.mislead patients in need of mislead patients in need of

:01:47. > :01:50.hospital treatment? The waiting hospital treatment? The waiting

:01:50. > :01:51.hospital treatment? The waiting lists have always had areas of

:01:52. > :01:53.lists have always had areas of social unavailability, Medical

:01:53. > :01:57.social unavailability, Medical social unavailability, Medical

:01:57. > :01:58.unavailability. That is part and unavailability. That is part and

:01:58. > :01:59.unavailability. That is part and unavailability. That is part and

:01:59. > :02:01.parcel. One of the first acts of parcel. One of the first acts of

:02:01. > :02:03.parcel. One of the first acts of this government was to abolish the

:02:03. > :02:06.this government was to abolish the availability status code under

:02:06. > :02:09.availability status code under availability status code under

:02:10. > :02:11.Labour. That represented 33% of the Labour. That represented 33% of the

:02:11. > :02:13.Labour. That represented 33% of the in-patient waiting list. That time,

:02:13. > :02:14.in-patient waiting list. That time, in-patient waiting list. That time,

:02:14. > :02:18.the Labour Party thought there were the Labour Party thought there were

:02:18. > :02:19.the Labour Party thought there were the Labour Party thought there were

:02:20. > :02:21.reasons for it to being 33% and she reasons for it to being 33% and she

:02:21. > :02:22.reasons for it to being 33% and she reasons for it to being 33% and she

:02:22. > :02:23.must accept the 23% figure, which I must accept the 23% figure, which I

:02:23. > :02:24.must accept the 23% figure, which I must accept the 23% figure, which I

:02:24. > :02:26.am happy to go into detail about, am happy to go into detail about,

:02:26. > :02:27.am happy to go into detail about, am happy to go into detail about,

:02:27. > :02:28.is by definition, 10% less than a is by definition, 10% less than a

:02:28. > :02:32.is by definition, 10% less than a figure which was inherited from the

:02:32. > :02:33.figure which was inherited from the figure which was inherited from the

:02:33. > :02:34.figure which was inherited from the Labour Party. I do think the people

:02:34. > :02:35.Labour Party. I do think the people Labour Party. I do think the people

:02:35. > :02:36.of Scotland might expect that First of Scotland might expect that First

:02:36. > :02:38.of Scotland might expect that First of Scotland might expect that First

:02:38. > :02:39.Minister to take what he has said Minister to take what he has said

:02:39. > :02:40.Minister to take what he has said more seriously. It is not good

:02:40. > :02:42.more seriously. It is not good more seriously. It is not good

:02:42. > :02:43.more seriously. It is not good enough for him to come here a week

:02:43. > :02:44.enough for him to come here a week enough for him to come here a week

:02:44. > :02:46.enough for him to come here a week after week and his new defence was,

:02:46. > :02:47.after week and his new defence was, after week and his new defence was,

:02:47. > :02:49.after week and his new defence was, it was not just me who did it.

:02:49. > :02:51.it was not just me who did it. it was not just me who did it.

:02:51. > :02:52.These figures represent real people These figures represent real people

:02:52. > :02:53.These figures represent real people These figures represent real people

:02:53. > :02:55.waiting for real help from the NHS. waiting for real help from the NHS.

:02:55. > :02:57.waiting for real help from the NHS. Your response is about something

:02:57. > :02:58.Your response is about something Your response is about something

:02:58. > :02:59.entirely different which is a entirely different which is a

:02:59. > :03:04.entirely different which is a political game, which is not the

:03:05. > :03:05.political game, which is not the political game, which is not the

:03:05. > :03:07.political game, which is not the key issue here. But if the First

:03:07. > :03:10.key issue here. But if the First key issue here. But if the First

:03:10. > :03:11.Minister took his job seriously, he Minister took his job seriously, he

:03:11. > :03:15.Minister took his job seriously, he Minister took his job seriously, he

:03:15. > :03:17.would no in 20th March 10, the then would no in 20th March 10, the then

:03:17. > :03:22.would no in 20th March 10, the then Health Secretary said no-one is on

:03:22. > :03:23.Health Secretary said no-one is on Health Secretary said no-one is on

:03:23. > :03:24.Health Secretary said no-one is on a heading waiting list. -- in of

:03:24. > :03:29.a heading waiting list. -- in of a heading waiting list. -- in of

:03:29. > :03:31.March 2010. Her replacement told us March 2010. Her replacement told us

:03:31. > :03:34.March 2010. Her replacement told us the waiting times are published and

:03:34. > :03:35.the waiting times are published and the waiting times are published and

:03:35. > :03:36.are reliable and accurate. are reliable and accurate.

:03:36. > :03:37.are reliable and accurate. systems which Nicola Sturgeon and

:03:37. > :03:39.systems which Nicola Sturgeon and systems which Nicola Sturgeon and

:03:39. > :03:40.systems which Nicola Sturgeon and he used to make those claims are

:03:40. > :03:42.he used to make those claims are he used to make those claims are

:03:42. > :03:43.now described by the Royal College now described by the Royal College

:03:43. > :03:45.now described by the Royal College of Nursing as inadequate for the

:03:45. > :03:46.of Nursing as inadequate for the of Nursing as inadequate for the

:03:46. > :03:48.job and letting patients down time job and letting patients down time

:03:48. > :03:50.job and letting patients down time job and letting patients down time

:03:50. > :03:52.and again. Is it the truth that far and again. Is it the truth that far

:03:52. > :03:53.from abolishing hidden waiting- from abolishing hidden waiting-

:03:53. > :03:55.from abolishing hidden waiting- lists, Nicola Sturgeon, for her own

:03:55. > :04:00.lists, Nicola Sturgeon, for her own political convenience, reinvented

:04:00. > :04:01.political convenience, reinvented political convenience, reinvented

:04:01. > :04:08.and reinforce them? The figures are and reinforce them? The figures are

:04:08. > :04:09.and reinforce them? The figures are published and cannot be hidden.

:04:09. > :04:10.published and cannot be hidden. published and cannot be hidden.

:04:10. > :04:12.Published figures cannot be hidden. Published figures cannot be hidden.

:04:12. > :04:13.Published figures cannot be hidden. Published figures cannot be hidden.

:04:13. > :04:14.She says I am talking about two She says I am talking about two

:04:14. > :04:16.She says I am talking about two different things. It is exactly the

:04:16. > :04:17.different things. It is exactly the different things. It is exactly the

:04:17. > :04:18.same thing. The availability status same thing. The availability status

:04:18. > :04:20.same thing. The availability status code was a hidden waiting list

:04:20. > :04:22.code was a hidden waiting list code was a hidden waiting list

:04:22. > :04:25.because people were placed on a because people were placed on a

:04:25. > :04:26.because people were placed on a coat, 33% of impatient with or

:04:26. > :04:28.coat, 33% of impatient with or coat, 33% of impatient with or

:04:28. > :04:29.coat, 33% of impatient with or placed on that code and had no

:04:29. > :04:30.placed on that code and had no placed on that code and had no

:04:30. > :04:31.placed on that code and had no guarantee in terms of their path we

:04:31. > :04:32.guarantee in terms of their path we guarantee in terms of their path we

:04:32. > :04:34.through the Health Service. There through the Health Service. There

:04:34. > :04:34.through the Health Service. There through the Health Service. There

:04:35. > :04:35.are a variety of reasons why people are a variety of reasons why people

:04:35. > :04:37.are a variety of reasons why people went have operations at a

:04:37. > :04:38.went have operations at a went have operations at a

:04:38. > :04:39.particular time. They might have a particular time. They might have a

:04:39. > :04:40.particular time. They might have a medical condition that prevents an

:04:40. > :04:42.medical condition that prevents an medical condition that prevents an

:04:42. > :04:44.operation, they might have a heart operation, they might have a heart

:04:44. > :04:45.operation, they might have a heart condition or high blood pressure.

:04:45. > :04:47.condition or high blood pressure. condition or high blood pressure.

:04:47. > :04:48.It would make a medical procedure It would make a medical procedure

:04:48. > :04:50.It would make a medical procedure inadvisable. These things are in

:04:50. > :04:54.inadvisable. These things are in inadvisable. These things are in

:04:54. > :04:56.the report. If indeed, Labour have the report. If indeed, Labour have

:04:56. > :04:57.the report. If indeed, Labour have the report. If indeed, Labour have

:04:57. > :04:59.read it. The IT systems in the read it. The IT systems in the

:04:59. > :05:00.read it. The IT systems in the health system are not robust enough

:05:00. > :05:02.health system are not robust enough health system are not robust enough

:05:02. > :05:04.to give the proper examination to give the proper examination

:05:04. > :05:05.to give the proper examination across the health boards. That is

:05:05. > :05:07.across the health boards. That is across the health boards. That is

:05:07. > :05:08.exactly why the IT systems are exactly why the IT systems are

:05:08. > :05:10.exactly why the IT systems are being enhanced and improved. It is

:05:10. > :05:11.being enhanced and improved. It is being enhanced and improved. It is

:05:11. > :05:12.being enhanced and improved. It is not just a tale of two governments,

:05:12. > :05:14.not just a tale of two governments, not just a tale of two governments,

:05:14. > :05:15.not just a tale of two governments, it is a tale of changing the system

:05:15. > :05:16.it is a tale of changing the system it is a tale of changing the system

:05:16. > :05:18.which was clearly a heading waiting which was clearly a heading waiting

:05:18. > :05:24.which was clearly a heading waiting list affecting 33% of patients. It

:05:25. > :05:26.list affecting 33% of patients. It list affecting 33% of patients. It

:05:26. > :05:27.is constantly improving. It is a is constantly improving. It is a

:05:27. > :05:29.is constantly improving. It is a position of making the changes that

:05:29. > :05:30.position of making the changes that position of making the changes that

:05:30. > :05:31.are required so patients around are required so patients around

:05:31. > :05:33.are required so patients around Scotland can have confidence in

:05:33. > :05:35.Scotland can have confidence in Scotland can have confidence in

:05:35. > :05:36.these figures. That is a government these figures. That is a government

:05:36. > :05:38.these figures. That is a government which is facing the issues as

:05:38. > :05:39.which is facing the issues as which is facing the issues as

:05:39. > :05:40.opposed to the position we opposed to the position we

:05:40. > :05:41.opposed to the position we inherited where people were dumped

:05:41. > :05:49.inherited where people were dumped inherited where people were dumped

:05:49. > :05:50.on the availability status go out on the availability status go out

:05:50. > :05:51.on the availability status go out and left their. The First

:05:51. > :05:52.and left their. The First and left their. The First

:05:52. > :05:53.Minister's first defence is, there Minister's first defence is, there

:05:53. > :05:55.Minister's first defence is, there is nothing wrong. The second

:05:55. > :05:56.is nothing wrong. The second is nothing wrong. The second

:05:56. > :05:57.is nothing wrong. The second defence, a big, bad computer did it

:05:57. > :05:58.defence, a big, bad computer did it defence, a big, bad computer did it

:05:58. > :06:00.defence, a big, bad computer did it and run away. Then he says, we are

:06:00. > :06:01.and run away. Then he says, we are and run away. Then he says, we are

:06:01. > :06:02.changing things. If you do not changing things. If you do not

:06:02. > :06:04.changing things. If you do not understand a problem, I am bemused

:06:04. > :06:05.understand a problem, I am bemused understand a problem, I am bemused

:06:05. > :06:06.understand a problem, I am bemused how you can work out what the

:06:06. > :06:07.how you can work out what the how you can work out what the

:06:07. > :06:09.how you can work out what the changes are. Let me make it simple

:06:09. > :06:11.changes are. Let me make it simple changes are. Let me make it simple

:06:11. > :06:12.for the First Minister. In 20th for the First Minister. In 20th

:06:12. > :06:14.for the First Minister. In 20th June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given

:06:14. > :06:15.June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given

:06:15. > :06:16.June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given a set of figures which said 3% of

:06:16. > :06:19.a set of figures which said 3% of a set of figures which said 3% of

:06:19. > :06:22.patients waited more than nine patients waited more than nine

:06:22. > :06:23.patients waited more than nine patients waited more than nine

:06:23. > :06:25.weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was

:06:25. > :06:26.weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was 33%. She was given figures which

:06:26. > :06:27.33%. She was given figures which 33%. She was given figures which

:06:27. > :06:28.33%. She was given figures which said the number of people too busy

:06:28. > :06:29.said the number of people too busy said the number of people too busy

:06:29. > :06:31.said the number of people too busy to get the treatment they needed a

:06:31. > :06:32.to get the treatment they needed a to get the treatment they needed a

:06:32. > :06:33.to get the treatment they needed a tripled. She was told one in three

:06:33. > :06:34.tripled. She was told one in three tripled. She was told one in three

:06:35. > :06:36.Scots who are on waiting lists Scots who are on waiting lists

:06:36. > :06:37.Scots who are on waiting lists Scots who are on waiting lists

:06:37. > :06:38.needed -- said they were too busy needed -- said they were too busy

:06:38. > :06:39.needed -- said they were too busy needed -- said they were too busy

:06:39. > :06:40.to be cured. She knew what was to be cured. She knew what was

:06:40. > :06:41.to be cured. She knew what was to be cured. She knew what was

:06:41. > :06:44.happening. Did she not have the wit happening. Did she not have the wit

:06:44. > :06:46.happening. Did she not have the wit to noticed waiting lists were being

:06:46. > :06:47.to noticed waiting lists were being to noticed waiting lists were being

:06:47. > :06:48.to noticed waiting lists were being false divide? Did that to suit her

:06:49. > :06:51.false divide? Did that to suit her false divide? Did that to suit her

:06:51. > :06:52.purpose? -- were being false purpose? -- were being false

:06:53. > :06:53.purpose? -- were being false purpose? -- were being false

:06:53. > :06:55.divide? Let us look at why patients divide? Let us look at why patients

:06:55. > :06:56.divide? Let us look at why patients divide? Let us look at why patients

:06:56. > :07:00.might not be able to have an might not be able to have an

:07:00. > :07:01.might not be able to have an operation in a timescale. Let us

:07:01. > :07:04.operation in a timescale. Let us operation in a timescale. Let us

:07:04. > :07:06.operation in a timescale. Let us point to page 30 of the report.

:07:06. > :07:09.point to page 30 of the report. Medical unavailability has remained

:07:09. > :07:10.Medical unavailability has remained Medical unavailability has remained

:07:10. > :07:11.consistent at around 8% over recent consistent at around 8% over recent

:07:11. > :07:13.consistent at around 8% over recent years. There is an element of

:07:13. > :07:14.years. There is an element of years. There is an element of

:07:14. > :07:16.people consistent whom, for medical people consistent whom, for medical

:07:16. > :07:17.people consistent whom, for medical people consistent whom, for medical

:07:17. > :07:19.reasons, are not in a position to reasons, are not in a position to

:07:19. > :07:21.reasons, are not in a position to have their procedure in the time.

:07:21. > :07:22.have their procedure in the time. That is Medical unavailability.

:07:22. > :07:23.That is Medical unavailability. That is Medical unavailability.

:07:23. > :07:24.That is Medical unavailability. There is a range of reasons why

:07:24. > :07:26.There is a range of reasons why There is a range of reasons why

:07:26. > :07:27.people might not want an operation. people might not want an operation.

:07:27. > :07:29.people might not want an operation. Because they have work reasons,

:07:29. > :07:34.Because they have work reasons, Because they have work reasons,

:07:34. > :07:35.they are a holiday. That is they are a holiday. That is

:07:35. > :07:36.they are a holiday. That is perfectly legitimate. It points to

:07:36. > :07:37.perfectly legitimate. It points to perfectly legitimate. It points to

:07:37. > :07:39.perfectly legitimate. It points to the IT systems. That is the point

:07:39. > :07:40.the IT systems. That is the point the IT systems. That is the point

:07:40. > :07:41.the IT systems. That is the point of the report. They are not robust

:07:41. > :07:42.of the report. They are not robust of the report. They are not robust

:07:42. > :07:44.enough to provide the examination. enough to provide the examination.

:07:44. > :07:45.enough to provide the examination. enough to provide the examination.

:07:45. > :07:46.If you have a problem with ITV, it If you have a problem with ITV, it

:07:46. > :07:48.If you have a problem with ITV, it If you have a problem with ITV, it

:07:48. > :07:50.is not a good idea to introduce the is not a good idea to introduce the

:07:50. > :07:50.is not a good idea to introduce the is not a good idea to introduce the

:07:51. > :07:52.care system to sorting out. -- if care system to sorting out. -- if

:07:52. > :07:53.care system to sorting out. -- if care system to sorting out. -- if

:07:53. > :07:54.you have a problem with IT. Would you have a problem with IT. Would

:07:54. > :07:55.you have a problem with IT. Would you have a problem with IT. Would

:07:55. > :07:56.it be preferable to leave it alone it be preferable to leave it alone

:07:56. > :07:57.it be preferable to leave it alone it be preferable to leave it alone

:07:57. > :07:58.as the Labour Party did and not as the Labour Party did and not

:07:58. > :07:59.as the Labour Party did and not improve things in the Health

:07:59. > :08:01.improve things in the Health improve things in the Health

:08:01. > :08:02.Service? There are areas in which Service? There are areas in which

:08:02. > :08:03.Service? There are areas in which Service? There are areas in which

:08:03. > :08:06.you can point do, which are not you can point do, which are not

:08:06. > :08:07.about the particular social about the particular social

:08:08. > :08:09.unavailability or medical unavailability or medical

:08:09. > :08:11.unavailability or medical unavailability. We know 80% of

:08:11. > :08:11.unavailability. We know 80% of unavailability. We know 80% of

:08:11. > :08:14.patients are satisfied with the patients are satisfied with the

:08:14. > :08:17.patients are satisfied with the patients are satisfied with the

:08:17. > :08:19.waiting times in the NHS. 88% is waiting times in the NHS. 88% is

:08:19. > :08:20.waiting times in the NHS. 88% is waiting times in the NHS. 88% is

:08:20. > :08:23.not 100%. The NHS is not perfect. not 100%. The NHS is not perfect.

:08:23. > :08:24.not 100%. The NHS is not perfect. not 100%. The NHS is not perfect.

:08:24. > :08:26.But 88% is a high figure. Although But 88% is a high figure. Although

:08:26. > :08:27.But 88% is a high figure. Although But 88% is a high figure. Although

:08:27. > :08:28.the NHS is not perfect, it is an the NHS is not perfect, it is an

:08:28. > :08:29.the NHS is not perfect, it is an outstanding help service and every

:08:29. > :08:30.outstanding help service and every outstanding help service and every

:08:30. > :08:32.single member in this chamber single member in this chamber

:08:32. > :08:38.single member in this chamber single member in this chamber

:08:38. > :08:40.should be proud of the work it does. should be proud of the work it does.

:08:40. > :08:43.should be proud of the work it does. should be proud of the work it does.

:08:43. > :08:45.It is grossly bid -- because of the It is grossly bid -- because of the

:08:45. > :08:46.It is grossly bid -- because of the It is grossly bid -- because of the

:08:46. > :08:51.NHS we deserve or a government that NHS we deserve or a government that

:08:51. > :08:52.NHS we deserve or a government that NHS we deserve or a government that

:08:52. > :08:54.looks at Health figures. -- it is looks at Health figures. -- it is

:08:54. > :08:56.looks at Health figures. -- it is precisely because of the NHS. In

:08:56. > :09:00.precisely because of the NHS. In precisely because of the NHS. In

:09:00. > :09:01.December, Alec Neil said there is December, Alec Neil said there is

:09:01. > :09:02.December, Alec Neil said there is nothing wrong. The First Minister

:09:02. > :09:04.nothing wrong. The First Minister nothing wrong. The First Minister

:09:04. > :09:06.says there is nothing wrong again says there is nothing wrong again

:09:06. > :09:08.says there is nothing wrong again says there is nothing wrong again

:09:08. > :09:09.today. The rest of the world knows, today. The rest of the world knows,

:09:09. > :09:10.today. The rest of the world knows, everybody else knows, there was a

:09:10. > :09:13.everybody else knows, there was a everybody else knows, there was a

:09:13. > :09:14.manipulation of the figures to manipulation of the figures to

:09:14. > :09:15.manipulation of the figures to avoid the Government having to

:09:15. > :09:18.avoid the Government having to avoid the Government having to

:09:18. > :09:19.confront the failures in their own confront the failures in their own

:09:19. > :09:20.confront the failures in their own confront the failures in their own

:09:20. > :09:22.policy. Of course, by heart of this policy. Of course, by heart of this

:09:22. > :09:23.policy. Of course, by heart of this Government is one policy, one code,

:09:23. > :09:24.Government is one policy, one code, Government is one policy, one code,

:09:24. > :09:25.one belief that runs through one belief that runs through

:09:25. > :09:27.one belief that runs through everything. Whatever the truth, if

:09:27. > :09:28.everything. Whatever the truth, if everything. Whatever the truth, if

:09:29. > :09:30.you say something often enough, the you say something often enough, the

:09:30. > :09:31.you say something often enough, the nationalists think you can fool the

:09:31. > :09:35.nationalists think you can fool the nationalists think you can fool the

:09:35. > :09:36.people of Scotland into believing people of Scotland into believing

:09:36. > :09:43.people of Scotland into believing it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if

:09:43. > :09:44.it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if

:09:44. > :09:45.you compare Nicola Sturgeon to you compare Nicola Sturgeon to

:09:45. > :09:47.you compare Nicola Sturgeon to others often enough, we will see

:09:47. > :09:48.others often enough, we will see others often enough, we will see

:09:48. > :09:50.others often enough, we will see her in the same alight. But they

:09:50. > :09:55.her in the same alight. But they her in the same alight. But they

:09:55. > :09:56.never put pressure leases a of never put pressure leases a of

:09:56. > :09:57.never put pressure leases a of patients. We have found out

:09:57. > :09:59.patients. We have found out patients. We have found out

:09:59. > :10:00.patients comes second to propaganda patients comes second to propaganda

:10:00. > :10:01.with this government. Someone with this government. Someone

:10:01. > :10:03.with this government. Someone should tell Nicola Sturgeon false

:10:03. > :10:04.should tell Nicola Sturgeon false should tell Nicola Sturgeon false

:10:04. > :10:05.statistics and public deception do statistics and public deception do

:10:05. > :10:07.statistics and public deception do statistics and public deception do

:10:07. > :10:08.not cure patients and they do not not cure patients and they do not

:10:08. > :10:18.not cure patients and they do not win referendums. It has been said

:10:18. > :10:18.

:10:18. > :10:20.win referendums. It has been said win referendums. It has been said

:10:20. > :10:21.in politics... There are two types in politics... There are two types

:10:21. > :10:22.in politics... There are two types of health ministers. Failures and

:10:22. > :10:25.of health ministers. Failures and of health ministers. Failures and

:10:25. > :10:26.of health ministers. Failures and those who get a in time. Is the

:10:26. > :10:28.those who get a in time. Is the those who get a in time. Is the

:10:28. > :10:29.truth laid bare today that despite truth laid bare today that despite

:10:29. > :10:32.truth laid bare today that despite the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

:10:32. > :10:33.the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

:10:33. > :10:34.the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

:10:34. > :10:35.get out in time? I was going to say get out in time? I was going to say

:10:36. > :10:37.get out in time? I was going to say there were three health ministers.

:10:37. > :10:38.there were three health ministers. there were three health ministers.

:10:38. > :10:40.there were three health ministers. Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow

:10:40. > :10:43.Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow

:10:43. > :10:45.accident and emergency wards... Let accident and emergency wards... Let

:10:45. > :10:50.accident and emergency wards... Let accident and emergency wards... Let

:10:50. > :10:52.us take the issue. The audit report us take the issue. The audit report

:10:52. > :10:53.us take the issue. The audit report examined 200,000. The conclusion to

:10:53. > :10:55.examined 200,000. The conclusion to examined 200,000. The conclusion to

:10:55. > :11:00.examined 200,000. The conclusion to was a small number of instances in

:11:00. > :11:02.was a small number of instances in which unavailable -- unavailability

:11:02. > :11:04.which unavailable -- unavailability which unavailable -- unavailability

:11:04. > :11:05.was inappropriate. That is just a was inappropriate. That is just a

:11:05. > :11:08.small number of. Patient small number of. Patient

:11:08. > :11:10.satisfaction, I have already satisfaction, I have already

:11:10. > :11:10.satisfaction, I have already satisfaction, I have already

:11:11. > :11:12.pointed that out. She will say that pointed that out. She will say that

:11:12. > :11:13.pointed that out. She will say that pointed that out. She will say that

:11:13. > :11:14.does not matter but that is what does not matter but that is what

:11:14. > :11:16.does not matter but that is what matters. That is the point that

:11:16. > :11:17.matters. That is the point that matters. That is the point that

:11:18. > :11:19.matters. We can measure how the matters. We can measure how the

:11:19. > :11:22.matters. We can measure how the Health Service is doing above and

:11:22. > :11:26.Health Service is doing above and beyond the social unavailability.

:11:26. > :11:30.beyond the social unavailability. beyond the social unavailability.

:11:30. > :11:34.Since to designate, the median time, Since to designate, the median time,

:11:34. > :11:35.Since to designate, the median time, waiting time, reduced from a 40

:11:35. > :11:36.waiting time, reduced from a 40 waiting time, reduced from a 40

:11:36. > :11:38.waiting time, reduced from a 40 days to 32 days. That shows there

:11:38. > :11:39.days to 32 days. That shows there days to 32 days. That shows there

:11:39. > :11:41.days to 32 days. That shows there has been an improvement in the NHS.

:11:41. > :11:42.has been an improvement in the NHS. has been an improvement in the NHS.

:11:42. > :11:44.In reading out her prepared In reading out her prepared

:11:44. > :11:46.In reading out her prepared question, the game was given away.

:11:46. > :11:47.question, the game was given away. question, the game was given away.

:11:47. > :11:48.We were told this Government is We were told this Government is

:11:48. > :11:50.We were told this Government is obsessed by the politics. This is

:11:50. > :11:51.obsessed by the politics. This is obsessed by the politics. This is

:11:51. > :11:53.obsessed by the politics. This is not about the NHS, this is about

:11:53. > :11:55.not about the NHS, this is about not about the NHS, this is about

:11:55. > :11:56.Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour

:11:56. > :11:57.Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour Party. The statement they released,

:11:57. > :11:58.Party. The statement they released, Party. The statement they released,

:11:58. > :12:00.Party. The statement they released, did it say we want improvements in

:12:00. > :12:02.did it say we want improvements in did it say we want improvements in

:12:02. > :12:03.the NHS? We want the computer the NHS? We want the computer

:12:03. > :12:05.the NHS? We want the computer system to be fast-tracked? No,

:12:05. > :12:06.system to be fast-tracked? No, system to be fast-tracked? No,

:12:06. > :12:09.Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden

:12:09. > :12:19.Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden

:12:19. > :12:19.

:12:19. > :12:29.waiting list. That is the point. waiting list. That is the point.

:12:29. > :12:33.

:12:33. > :12:34.waiting list. That is the point. order. Order. The response? The

:12:34. > :12:36.order. Order. The response? The order. Order. The response? The

:12:36. > :12:38.relevance is it is typical of relevance is it is typical of

:12:38. > :12:38.relevance is it is typical of relevance is it is typical of

:12:39. > :12:40.Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is

:12:40. > :12:41.Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is not about improving the NHS or

:12:41. > :12:47.not about improving the NHS or not about improving the NHS or

:12:47. > :12:49.not about improving the NHS or being proud of it, but basically a

:12:49. > :12:51.being proud of it, but basically a politically attacking health

:12:51. > :12:52.politically attacking health secretaries. They should be

:12:52. > :12:54.secretaries. They should be questioning the improvements that

:12:54. > :12:58.questioning the improvements that questioning the improvements that

:12:58. > :12:59.must take place and then accusing must take place and then accusing

:12:59. > :13:00.must take place and then accusing the Government. Is the Labour

:13:00. > :13:01.the Government. Is the Labour the Government. Is the Labour

:13:01. > :13:03.leader not aware of the leader not aware of the

:13:03. > :13:04.unintentional comedy of that unintentional comedy of that

:13:04. > :13:06.unintentional comedy of that question over the most serious

:13:06. > :13:07.question over the most serious question over the most serious

:13:07. > :13:08.question over the most serious issue of all, the NHS? It is not

:13:08. > :13:09.issue of all, the NHS? It is not issue of all, the NHS? It is not

:13:09. > :13:11.without failings or faults but it without failings or faults but it

:13:11. > :13:12.without failings or faults but it is an outstanding Health Service of

:13:12. > :13:19.is an outstanding Health Service of is an outstanding Health Service of

:13:19. > :13:26.is an outstanding Health Service of what everyone of us should be proud.

:13:26. > :13:28.what everyone of us should be proud. what everyone of us should be proud.

:13:28. > :13:29.Order. Question number two. To ask Order. Question number two. To ask

:13:29. > :13:30.Order. Question number two. To ask Order. Question number two. To ask

:13:30. > :13:31.when he will meet the Secretary of when he will meet the Secretary of

:13:31. > :13:33.when he will meet the Secretary of when he will meet the Secretary of

:13:33. > :13:35.State for Scotland. No plans in the State for Scotland. No plans in the

:13:35. > :13:37.State for Scotland. No plans in the near future. On Tuesday, the

:13:37. > :13:38.near future. On Tuesday, the near future. On Tuesday, the

:13:38. > :13:40.Cabinet Secretary gave a statement Cabinet Secretary gave a statement

:13:40. > :13:41.Cabinet Secretary gave a statement to this chamber on that horsemeat

:13:41. > :13:43.to this chamber on that horsemeat to this chamber on that horsemeat

:13:43. > :13:45.scandal. Can the First Minister scandal. Can the First Minister

:13:45. > :13:46.scandal. Can the First Minister scandal. Can the First Minister

:13:46. > :13:47.tell us why he failed to mention tell us why he failed to mention

:13:47. > :13:48.the food standards agency's the food standards agency's

:13:48. > :13:50.the food standards agency's operating budget in Scotland has

:13:50. > :13:51.operating budget in Scotland has operating budget in Scotland has

:13:51. > :13:56.operating budget in Scotland has been secretly slashed by 10% in the

:13:56. > :13:58.been secretly slashed by 10% in the been secretly slashed by 10% in the

:13:58. > :14:00.last year? I think the general last year? I think the general

:14:00. > :14:01.last year? I think the general opinion shared not by the

:14:01. > :14:03.opinion shared not by the Government but across every

:14:03. > :14:04.Government but across every Government but across every

:14:04. > :14:06.commentator is the decision of this commentator is the decision of this

:14:06. > :14:08.Government to leave key Government to leave key

:14:08. > :14:08.responsibilities with the Food responsibilities with the Food

:14:09. > :14:10.responsibilities with the Food Standards Agency has opposed to

:14:10. > :14:11.Standards Agency has opposed to Standards Agency has opposed to

:14:11. > :14:12.take them directly into government take them directly into government

:14:12. > :14:14.take them directly into government take them directly into government

:14:14. > :14:15.as was done south of the border has as was done south of the border has

:14:15. > :14:16.as was done south of the border has as was done south of the border has

:14:16. > :14:17.resulted in us being in a better resulted in us being in a better

:14:17. > :14:18.resulted in us being in a better resulted in us being in a better

:14:18. > :14:20.position. We will be in a better position. We will be in a better

:14:20. > :14:22.position. We will be in a better position yet as we publish our

:14:22. > :14:29.position yet as we publish our position yet as we publish our

:14:29. > :14:30.proposals to have a Scottish Food proposals to have a Scottish Food

:14:30. > :14:32.proposals to have a Scottish Food Standards Agency. A minute ago, it

:14:32. > :14:34.Standards Agency. A minute ago, it Standards Agency. A minute ago, it

:14:34. > :14:36.Standards Agency. A minute ago, it was a computer's fault, now it is

:14:36. > :14:37.was a computer's fault, now it is was a computer's fault, now it is

:14:37. > :14:39.Westminster's. In Scotland, none of Westminster's. In Scotland, none of

:14:39. > :14:40.Westminster's. In Scotland, none of the functions were moved elsewhere.

:14:40. > :14:41.the functions were moved elsewhere. the functions were moved elsewhere.

:14:41. > :14:43.the functions were moved elsewhere. Let us look at the time mind. This

:14:43. > :14:44.Let us look at the time mind. This Let us look at the time mind. This

:14:44. > :14:45.makes this worse. The Government makes this worse. The Government

:14:45. > :14:47.makes this worse. The Government learned there was horsemeat in the

:14:47. > :14:48.learned there was horsemeat in the learned there was horsemeat in the

:14:48. > :14:50.learned there was horsemeat in the food chain her on 14th January. On

:14:50. > :14:51.food chain her on 14th January. On food chain her on 14th January. On

:14:51. > :14:55.7th February, they published the 7th February, they published the

:14:55. > :14:56.7th February, they published the spring Budget revision, showing a

:14:56. > :14:57.spring Budget revision, showing a spring Budget revision, showing a

:14:57. > :14:58.spring Budget revision, showing a �1.1 million smash and grab on food

:14:58. > :14:59.�1.1 million smash and grab on food �1.1 million smash and grab on food

:14:59. > :15:02.standards. That was three weeks standards. That was three weeks

:15:02. > :15:04.standards. That was three weeks standards. That was three weeks

:15:04. > :15:05.into a food scandal. That is a into a food scandal. That is a

:15:05. > :15:07.into a food scandal. That is a into a food scandal. That is a

:15:07. > :15:08.direct assault on the work the FSA direct assault on the work the FSA

:15:08. > :15:10.direct assault on the work the FSA does in Scotland. Did nobody notice,

:15:10. > :15:10.does in Scotland. Did nobody notice, does in Scotland. Did nobody notice,

:15:11. > :15:12.does in Scotland. Did nobody notice, did nobody think it might be risky

:15:12. > :15:14.did nobody think it might be risky did nobody think it might be risky

:15:14. > :15:15.did nobody think it might be risky idea to take money out of the FSA

:15:15. > :15:16.idea to take money out of the FSA idea to take money out of the FSA

:15:16. > :15:17.idea to take money out of the FSA budget in the middle of a growing

:15:17. > :15:19.budget in the middle of a growing budget in the middle of a growing

:15:19. > :15:20.crisis? Surely at this time, this crisis? Surely at this time, this

:15:20. > :15:22.crisis? Surely at this time, this crisis? Surely at this time, this

:15:22. > :15:23.time more than any, it needs the time more than any, it needs the

:15:23. > :15:24.time more than any, it needs the full resources and tools to

:15:24. > :15:25.full resources and tools to full resources and tools to

:15:25. > :15:27.maintain public confidence in our maintain public confidence in our

:15:27. > :15:31.maintain public confidence in our food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain

:15:31. > :15:41.food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain

:15:41. > :15:49.

:15:49. > :15:52.the logic behind this? -- First Every part of the public sector is

:15:52. > :15:52.Every part of the public sector is Every part of the public sector is

:15:52. > :15:54.under extreme pressure apart from under extreme pressure apart from

:15:54. > :15:56.under extreme pressure apart from the health service which has been

:15:56. > :15:58.the health service which has been the health service which has been

:15:58. > :15:59.guaranteed to a real-terms increase. guaranteed to a real-terms increase.

:15:59. > :16:02.guaranteed to a real-terms increase. Given the cutbacks from the Tory

:16:02. > :16:02.Given the cutbacks from the Tory Given the cutbacks from the Tory

:16:02. > :16:05.Government, every part of the Government, every part of the

:16:05. > :16:09.Government, every part of the public sector is under pressure.

:16:09. > :16:11.public sector is under pressure. public sector is under pressure.

:16:11. > :16:13.public sector is under pressure. But I do not think... It was the

:16:13. > :16:14.But I do not think... It was the But I do not think... It was the

:16:15. > :16:16.decision to leave key functions decision to leave key functions

:16:16. > :16:17.decision to leave key functions with the Food Standards Agency. It

:16:17. > :16:19.with the Food Standards Agency. It with the Food Standards Agency. It

:16:19. > :16:20.with the Food Standards Agency. It is part of the better position we

:16:20. > :16:21.is part of the better position we is part of the better position we

:16:21. > :16:22.is part of the better position we have in Scotland in terms of facing

:16:22. > :16:25.have in Scotland in terms of facing have in Scotland in terms of facing

:16:25. > :16:26.have in Scotland in terms of facing up to the crisis. I do not accept

:16:26. > :16:27.up to the crisis. I do not accept up to the crisis. I do not accept

:16:28. > :16:28.that confidence in Scottish food that confidence in Scottish food

:16:29. > :16:29.that confidence in Scottish food that confidence in Scottish food

:16:29. > :16:32.has been lowered by events in the has been lowered by events in the

:16:32. > :16:34.has been lowered by events in the last few weeks. As the Cabinet

:16:34. > :16:36.last few weeks. As the Cabinet last few weeks. As the Cabinet

:16:36. > :16:37.Secretary rightly said, there is a Secretary rightly said, there is a

:16:37. > :16:39.Secretary rightly said, there is a change in attitude in terms of

:16:39. > :16:40.change in attitude in terms of change in attitude in terms of

:16:40. > :16:41.people's rightful demands in terms people's rightful demands in terms

:16:41. > :16:42.people's rightful demands in terms of the sourcing and integrity of

:16:42. > :16:44.of the sourcing and integrity of of the sourcing and integrity of

:16:44. > :16:45.of the sourcing and integrity of the product and that will be good

:16:45. > :16:46.the product and that will be good the product and that will be good

:16:46. > :16:49.for the Scottish industry which can for the Scottish industry which can

:16:49. > :16:51.for the Scottish industry which can match these high standards. I hope

:16:51. > :16:52.match these high standards. I hope match these high standards. I hope

:16:52. > :16:53.with Davidson conjoin with the with Davidson conjoin with the

:16:53. > :16:54.with Davidson conjoin with the Government as we prepare a food

:16:54. > :16:56.Government as we prepare a food standards agency for Scotland,

:16:56. > :16:57.standards agency for Scotland, standards agency for Scotland,

:16:57. > :17:06.learning lessons from what has learning lessons from what has

:17:06. > :17:07.learning lessons from what has happened over the last few weeks.

:17:07. > :17:09.happened over the last few weeks. happened over the last few weeks.

:17:09. > :17:10.happened over the last few weeks. We will make sure the new Scottish

:17:10. > :17:11.We will make sure the new Scottish We will make sure the new Scottish

:17:11. > :17:18.Food Standards Agency will be the Food Standards Agency will be the

:17:18. > :17:19.Food Standards Agency will be the Food Standards Agency will be the

:17:19. > :17:21.Food Standards Agency will be the best it can be. I do not know if it

:17:21. > :17:22.best it can be. I do not know if it best it can be. I do not know if it

:17:22. > :17:23.best it can be. I do not know if it is the greatest position of the --

:17:23. > :17:25.is the greatest position of the -- is the greatest position of the --

:17:25. > :17:26.for a Conservative leader to come for a Conservative leader to come

:17:26. > :17:28.for a Conservative leader to come to this Parliament and talk about

:17:28. > :17:28.to this Parliament and talk about to this Parliament and talk about

:17:28. > :17:31.additional public spending in a additional public spending in a

:17:31. > :17:33.additional public spending in a additional public spending in a

:17:33. > :17:34.week when she has proposed a 500 week when she has proposed a 500

:17:34. > :17:36.week when she has proposed a 500 million reduction cuts in income

:17:36. > :17:38.million reduction cuts in income million reduction cuts in income

:17:38. > :17:39.tax. If the Conservative Party tax. If the Conservative Party

:17:39. > :17:41.tax. If the Conservative Party could do quite a that calculation,

:17:41. > :17:41.could do quite a that calculation, could do quite a that calculation,

:17:41. > :17:44.could do quite a that calculation, it is difficult to ask for more

:17:44. > :17:45.it is difficult to ask for more it is difficult to ask for more

:17:45. > :17:47.public spending when your new core public spending when your new core

:17:47. > :17:52.public spending when your new core public spending when your new core

:17:52. > :17:53.policy is to smash and grab and/it policy is to smash and grab and/it

:17:53. > :17:54.policy is to smash and grab and/it policy is to smash and grab and/it

:17:54. > :17:54.much further. A I have a number of much further. A I have a number of

:17:54. > :17:56.much further. A I have a number of constituency questions and I would

:17:56. > :17:57.constituency questions and I would constituency questions and I would

:17:57. > :17:59.constituency questions and I would like to get them in. Can I ask

:17:59. > :18:00.like to get them in. Can I ask like to get them in. Can I ask

:18:00. > :18:04.people to keep their questions and people to keep their questions and

:18:04. > :18:05.people to keep their questions and answers as brief as possible?

:18:05. > :18:06.answers as brief as possible? answers as brief as possible?

:18:06. > :18:08.answers as brief as possible? First Minister will be aware of the

:18:08. > :18:09.First Minister will be aware of the report published yesterday

:18:09. > :18:10.report published yesterday report published yesterday

:18:10. > :18:12.confirming the Forth Road Bridge is confirming the Forth Road Bridge is

:18:12. > :18:14.confirming the Forth Road Bridge is confirming the Forth Road Bridge is

:18:14. > :18:16.not about to fall into the sea. Of not about to fall into the sea. Of

:18:16. > :18:17.the First Minister regret the First Minister regret

:18:17. > :18:19.the First Minister regret committing to a massively expensive

:18:19. > :18:21.committing to a massively expensive additional Bridge, sucking money

:18:21. > :18:23.additional Bridge, sucking money additional Bridge, sucking money

:18:23. > :18:24.away from other projects, before away from other projects, before

:18:24. > :18:27.away from other projects, before knowing the results of the repair

:18:27. > :18:27.knowing the results of the repair knowing the results of the repair

:18:27. > :18:30.knowing the results of the repair work? What would stop this or a

:18:30. > :18:31.work? What would stop this or a future government bringing more

:18:31. > :18:32.future government bringing more future government bringing more

:18:32. > :18:34.congestion to the Lothians by going congestion to the Lothians by going

:18:34. > :18:36.congestion to the Lothians by going back on the commitment to the

:18:36. > :18:39.back on the commitment to the back on the commitment to the

:18:39. > :18:41.existing bridge being dedicated to existing bridge being dedicated to

:18:41. > :18:44.existing bridge being dedicated to public transport? Firstly, we will

:18:44. > :18:46.public transport? Firstly, we will public transport? Firstly, we will

:18:46. > :18:48.maintain the commitment. I do not maintain the commitment. I do not

:18:48. > :18:49.maintain the commitment. I do not maintain the commitment. I do not

:18:49. > :18:51.share your analysis of this. If we share your analysis of this. If we

:18:51. > :18:55.share your analysis of this. If we had maintain the current bridge,

:18:55. > :18:57.had maintain the current bridge, had maintain the current bridge,

:18:57. > :18:59.then that in itself would have then that in itself would have

:18:59. > :18:59.then that in itself would have proposed and imposed huge economic

:18:59. > :19:03.proposed and imposed huge economic proposed and imposed huge economic

:19:03. > :19:04.cost to the Scottish economy. One cost to the Scottish economy. One

:19:04. > :19:06.cost to the Scottish economy. One of the reasons this parliament, by

:19:06. > :19:07.of the reasons this parliament, by of the reasons this parliament, by

:19:07. > :19:08.a massive majority, decided to go a massive majority, decided to go

:19:09. > :19:10.a massive majority, decided to go ahead is because they looked at

:19:10. > :19:12.ahead is because they looked at ahead is because they looked at

:19:12. > :19:14.that analysis. It should be quite that analysis. It should be quite

:19:14. > :19:15.that analysis. It should be quite good news that some remedial

:19:15. > :19:16.good news that some remedial good news that some remedial

:19:16. > :19:18.measures taken over the last few measures taken over the last few

:19:18. > :19:20.measures taken over the last few years are having some effect. The

:19:20. > :19:21.years are having some effect. The years are having some effect. The

:19:21. > :19:22.report indicated there is no report indicated there is no

:19:22. > :19:24.report indicated there is no guarantee that can be consistently

:19:24. > :19:24.guarantee that can be consistently guarantee that can be consistently

:19:24. > :19:25.maintained in the future which is maintained in the future which is

:19:25. > :19:26.maintained in the future which is maintained in the future which is

:19:26. > :19:28.why we will be in a better position why we will be in a better position

:19:28. > :19:29.why we will be in a better position why we will be in a better position

:19:29. > :19:31.if we can do more of rigorous if we can do more of rigorous

:19:31. > :19:32.if we can do more of rigorous maintenance of the current bridge

:19:32. > :19:33.maintenance of the current bridge maintenance of the current bridge

:19:33. > :19:37.maintenance of the current bridge in a situation where we have an

:19:37. > :19:39.in a situation where we have an in a situation where we have an

:19:39. > :19:40.alternative across the fourth. -- alternative across the fourth. --

:19:40. > :19:42.alternative across the fourth. -- alternative across the fourth. --

:19:42. > :19:43.across the River Forth. I do not across the River Forth. I do not

:19:43. > :19:46.across the River Forth. I do not share this analysis from Alison

:19:47. > :19:48.share this analysis from Alison share this analysis from Alison

:19:48. > :19:49.Johnson, but the commitment made to Johnson, but the commitment made to

:19:49. > :19:53.Johnson, but the commitment made to the bridge will be maintained by

:19:53. > :19:54.the bridge will be maintained by the bridge will be maintained by

:19:54. > :19:55.this Government. The fishing and this Government. The fishing and

:19:55. > :19:57.this Government. The fishing and shooting rights had been taken away

:19:57. > :19:58.shooting rights had been taken away shooting rights had been taken away

:19:58. > :20:00.shooting rights had been taken away from local crofters and sold to a

:20:00. > :20:00.from local crofters and sold to a from local crofters and sold to a

:20:00. > :20:03.shooting Company in their share by shooting Company in their share by

:20:03. > :20:04.the Scottish government. The the Scottish government. The

:20:04. > :20:06.the Scottish government. The crofters have built for the value

:20:06. > :20:07.crofters have built for the value crofters have built for the value

:20:07. > :20:10.over the years and invested in over the years and invested in

:20:10. > :20:12.over the years and invested in their own community. Does he agree

:20:12. > :20:13.their own community. Does he agree their own community. Does he agree

:20:13. > :20:15.their own community. Does he agree this flies in the face of the ethos

:20:15. > :20:15.this flies in the face of the ethos this flies in the face of the ethos

:20:15. > :20:17.this flies in the face of the ethos of land reform and will he take

:20:17. > :20:19.of land reform and will he take of land reform and will he take

:20:19. > :20:19.steps to return those rights where steps to return those rights where

:20:19. > :20:23.steps to return those rights where they belong, with the local

:20:23. > :20:25.they belong, with the local community? There are difficulties

:20:25. > :20:27.community? There are difficulties community? There are difficulties

:20:27. > :20:28.in terms of upholding the Scottish in terms of upholding the Scottish

:20:28. > :20:30.in terms of upholding the Scottish public finance principles and best

:20:30. > :20:31.public finance principles and best public finance principles and best

:20:31. > :20:32.value. It is not nestling within value. It is not nestling within

:20:32. > :20:33.value. It is not nestling within the discretion of ministers to

:20:33. > :20:35.the discretion of ministers to the discretion of ministers to

:20:35. > :20:37.overturn these because these are overturn these because these are

:20:37. > :20:38.overturn these because these are overturn these because these are

:20:38. > :20:39.things which you are bound by. I things which you are bound by. I

:20:39. > :20:40.things which you are bound by. I heard the Minister addressing the

:20:40. > :20:41.heard the Minister addressing the heard the Minister addressing the

:20:41. > :20:42.subject of this morning on the subject of this morning on the

:20:42. > :20:43.subject of this morning on the subject of this morning on the

:20:43. > :20:44.radio and insuring he would make an radio and insuring he would make an

:20:44. > :20:45.radio and insuring he would make an initiative to allay some of the

:20:45. > :20:51.initiative to allay some of the initiative to allay some of the

:20:51. > :20:52.fears that have been expressed. fears that have been expressed.

:20:52. > :20:55.fears that have been expressed. would ask the First Minister

:20:55. > :20:58.would ask the First Minister would ask the First Minister

:20:58. > :20:59.weather in light of the fatal weather in light of the fatal

:20:59. > :21:01.weather in light of the fatal accident and failure on 14th

:21:01. > :21:02.accident and failure on 14th accident and failure on 14th

:21:02. > :21:05.February, will he bring forward a February, will he bring forward a

:21:05. > :21:06.February, will he bring forward a regulation order to restrict the

:21:06. > :21:08.regulation order to restrict the regulation order to restrict the

:21:08. > :21:10.movement of 44 tonne lorries? movement of 44 tonne lorries?

:21:10. > :21:11.movement of 44 tonne lorries? was a terrible incident and our

:21:11. > :21:13.was a terrible incident and our was a terrible incident and our

:21:13. > :21:14.sympathies are with the family and sympathies are with the family and

:21:14. > :21:17.sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim who

:21:17. > :21:19.friends of the victim who friends of the victim who

:21:19. > :21:20.tragically lost her life. Police tragically lost her life. Police

:21:20. > :21:21.investigations into the accident investigations into the accident

:21:21. > :21:23.investigations into the accident investigations into the accident

:21:23. > :21:24.are ongoing and in light of that, are ongoing and in light of that,

:21:24. > :21:25.are ongoing and in light of that, it would be inappropriate to

:21:25. > :21:27.it would be inappropriate to comment on the particular

:21:27. > :21:29.comment on the particular comment on the particular

:21:29. > :21:31.circumstances that follow from that. circumstances that follow from that.

:21:31. > :21:32.circumstances that follow from that. Officials will be meeting with the

:21:32. > :21:34.Officials will be meeting with the Officials will be meeting with the

:21:34. > :21:35.police to obtain more detailed police to obtain more detailed

:21:35. > :21:36.police to obtain more detailed information on the general public

:21:36. > :21:38.information on the general public information on the general public

:21:38. > :21:39.transport aspects of this incident. transport aspects of this incident.

:21:39. > :21:40.transport aspects of this incident. Once investigations are concluded I

:21:40. > :21:42.Once investigations are concluded I Once investigations are concluded I

:21:42. > :21:44.will report back to the will report back to the

:21:44. > :21:45.will report back to the constituency member of. I would ask

:21:45. > :21:45.constituency member of. I would ask constituency member of. I would ask

:21:45. > :21:46.the First Minister what issues will the First Minister what issues will

:21:46. > :21:49.the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the first meeting

:21:49. > :21:49.be discussed at the first meeting be discussed at the first meeting

:21:49. > :21:50.of the Cabinet? Matters of of the Cabinet? Matters of

:21:50. > :21:53.of the Cabinet? Matters of importance to the people of

:21:53. > :21:55.importance to the people of importance to the people of

:21:55. > :21:58.Scotland. On waiting times, I am Scotland. On waiting times, I am

:21:58. > :22:00.Scotland. On waiting times, I am astonished the First Minister seems

:22:00. > :22:01.astonished the First Minister seems astonished the First Minister seems

:22:01. > :22:02.satisfied with 23%. Has he any satisfied with 23%. Has he any

:22:02. > :22:03.satisfied with 23%. Has he any satisfied with 23%. Has he any

:22:03. > :22:04.regrets when he was telling us at regrets when he was telling us at

:22:04. > :22:05.regrets when he was telling us at regrets when he was telling us at

:22:05. > :22:06.the time when he put his press the time when he put his press

:22:06. > :22:07.the time when he put his press the time when he put his press

:22:07. > :22:11.release out riding a they had got release out riding a they had got

:22:11. > :22:14.release out riding a they had got release out riding a they had got

:22:14. > :22:16.rid of the smoke and mirrors? -- rid of the smoke and mirrors? --

:22:16. > :22:17.bragging. When their individual bragging. When their individual

:22:17. > :22:19.bragging. When their individual instances of patients who have not

:22:19. > :22:22.instances of patients who have not instances of patients who have not

:22:22. > :22:23.been properly treated within the been properly treated within the

:22:23. > :22:25.been properly treated within the NHS, both the NHS and ministers

:22:25. > :22:27.NHS, both the NHS and ministers have apologised and specific

:22:27. > :22:29.have apologised and specific have apologised and specific

:22:29. > :22:30.circumstances. The point I was circumstances. The point I was

:22:30. > :22:32.circumstances. The point I was making, if you look at the

:22:32. > :22:33.making, if you look at the making, if you look at the

:22:33. > :22:35.making, if you look at the integrity of the NHS, we have an

:22:35. > :22:37.integrity of the NHS, we have an excellent service which is

:22:37. > :22:39.excellent service which is improving its efficiency and

:22:39. > :22:40.improving its efficiency and improving its efficiency and

:22:41. > :22:42.standards over recent years. In the standards over recent years. In the

:22:42. > :22:44.standards over recent years. In the anxiety for the political to-ing

:22:44. > :22:45.anxiety for the political to-ing anxiety for the political to-ing

:22:45. > :22:48.anxiety for the political to-ing and fro-ing, we should not as a

:22:48. > :22:49.and fro-ing, we should not as a and fro-ing, we should not as a

:22:49. > :22:51.parliament or people lose sight hat parliament or people lose sight hat

:22:51. > :22:58.parliament or people lose sight hat in how important and wonderful but

:22:58. > :22:59.in how important and wonderful but in how important and wonderful but

:22:59. > :23:02.institution is. -- led's remember institution is. -- led's remember

:23:02. > :23:02.institution is. -- led's remember institution is. -- led's remember

:23:02. > :23:05.the integrity of the system is an the integrity of the system is an

:23:05. > :23:07.outstanding public health service. outstanding public health service.

:23:07. > :23:09.outstanding public health service. outstanding public health service.

:23:09. > :23:10.It was his government who issued 50 It was his government who issued 50

:23:10. > :23:11.It was his government who issued 50 press releases bride gave me about

:23:11. > :23:14.press releases bride gave me about press releases bride gave me about

:23:14. > :23:16.his waiting time the initiatives. - his waiting time the initiatives. -

:23:16. > :23:17.his waiting time the initiatives. - his waiting time the initiatives. -

:23:17. > :23:18.- bragging. He was telling us how - bragging. He was telling us how

:23:18. > :23:21.- bragging. He was telling us how good the system was when a

:23:21. > :23:24.good the system was when a good the system was when a

:23:24. > :23:29.thousands were enduring the waiting thousands were enduring the waiting

:23:29. > :23:31.thousands were enduring the waiting times of Siberia. The the

:23:31. > :23:34.times of Siberia. The the availability status code was

:23:34. > :23:41.availability status code was availability status code was

:23:41. > :23:43.abolished and could be described abolished and could be described

:23:43. > :23:44.abolished and could be described underrate government -- under a

:23:44. > :23:45.underrate government -- under a underrate government -- under a

:23:45. > :23:47.Liberal Government akin to waiting Liberal Government akin to waiting

:23:47. > :23:49.Liberal Government akin to waiting times in Siberia. The new system

:23:49. > :23:50.times in Siberia. The new system times in Siberia. The new system

:23:50. > :23:51.times in Siberia. The new system means you did not lose your rights,

:23:51. > :23:52.means you did not lose your rights, means you did not lose your rights,

:23:52. > :23:54.means you did not lose your rights, the clock was reset and you still

:23:54. > :23:59.the clock was reset and you still the clock was reset and you still

:23:59. > :24:00.retain the rights within the health retain the rights within the health

:24:00. > :24:01.retain the rights within the health retain the rights within the health

:24:01. > :24:03.service. I do think it is a bit service. I do think it is a bit

:24:03. > :24:04.service. I do think it is a bit much to talk about the health

:24:04. > :24:08.much to talk about the health much to talk about the health

:24:08. > :24:09.service equivalent to Siberia which service equivalent to Siberia which

:24:10. > :24:10.service equivalent to Siberia which service equivalent to Siberia which

:24:10. > :24:12.was what the service could was when was what the service could was when

:24:12. > :24:13.was what the service could was when the Liberal Party were in power,

:24:13. > :24:15.the Liberal Party were in power, the Liberal Party were in power,

:24:15. > :24:16.then to criticise a system where then to criticise a system where

:24:16. > :24:19.then to criticise a system where patients keep up their rights

:24:19. > :24:20.patients keep up their rights patients keep up their rights

:24:20. > :24:22.within the health service! Anyone within the health service! Anyone

:24:22. > :24:23.within the health service! Anyone who thinks about that matter will

:24:23. > :24:24.who thinks about that matter will who thinks about that matter will

:24:24. > :24:26.recognise there are proper reasons recognise there are proper reasons

:24:26. > :24:27.recognise there are proper reasons recognise there are proper reasons

:24:27. > :24:29.why people might not have a prissy why people might not have a prissy

:24:29. > :24:30.why people might not have a prissy why people might not have a prissy

:24:30. > :24:33.in that they set a timescale. The - in that they set a timescale. The -

:24:33. > :24:34.in that they set a timescale. The - in that they set a timescale. The -

:24:34. > :24:37.- may not have a procedure. There - may not have a procedure. There

:24:37. > :24:37.- may not have a procedure. There were a small number of instances

:24:37. > :24:39.were a small number of instances were a small number of instances

:24:39. > :24:40.were unavailable at the -- were unavailable at the --

:24:40. > :24:42.were unavailable at the -- unavailability codes were used in

:24:42. > :24:43.unavailability codes were used in unavailability codes were used in

:24:43. > :24:44.appropriately. That backs up the appropriately. That backs up the

:24:44. > :24:47.appropriately. That backs up the fact that when improvements are

:24:47. > :24:48.fact that when improvements are fact that when improvements are

:24:48. > :24:50.necessary, both in terms of the necessary, both in terms of the

:24:50. > :24:52.necessary, both in terms of the computer systems and in the style

:24:52. > :24:53.computer systems and in the style computer systems and in the style

:24:53. > :24:55.of the health service, this service of the health service, this service

:24:55. > :24:57.is performing substantially better is performing substantially better

:24:57. > :24:58.is performing substantially better compared to when the Liberal Party

:24:58. > :25:04.compared to when the Liberal Party compared to when the Liberal Party

:25:04. > :25:05.were part of the Labour coalition. were part of the Labour coalition.

:25:05. > :25:06.were part of the Labour coalition. were part of the Labour coalition.

:25:06. > :25:08.I want to ask the First Minister I want to ask the First Minister

:25:08. > :25:09.what recent discussions the what recent discussions the

:25:09. > :25:10.what recent discussions the Scottish government have had with

:25:10. > :25:11.Scottish government have had with Scottish government have had with

:25:11. > :25:16.the BBC in relation to redundancies the BBC in relation to redundancies

:25:16. > :25:17.the BBC in relation to redundancies and BBC Scotland? In discussions

:25:17. > :25:19.and BBC Scotland? In discussions and BBC Scotland? In discussions

:25:19. > :25:21.with the BBC Trust, the director- with the BBC Trust, the director-

:25:21. > :25:23.with the BBC Trust, the director- general for BBC Scotland, at the

:25:23. > :25:24.general for BBC Scotland, at the general for BBC Scotland, at the

:25:24. > :25:26.director for BBC Scotland rather, director for BBC Scotland rather,

:25:26. > :25:26.director for BBC Scotland rather, director for BBC Scotland rather,

:25:26. > :25:28.and all four directors of the BBC and all four directors of the BBC

:25:28. > :25:29.and all four directors of the BBC and all four directors of the BBC

:25:29. > :25:31.and in the last four month, the and in the last four month, the

:25:31. > :25:34.Government has consistently argued Government has consistently argued

:25:34. > :25:37.Government has consistently argued for jobs in Scotland. BBC

:25:37. > :25:40.for jobs in Scotland. BBC for jobs in Scotland. BBC

:25:40. > :25:42.Scotland's decision to cut jobs his Scotland's decision to cut jobs his

:25:42. > :25:44.disappointment -- disappointing. disappointment -- disappointing.

:25:44. > :25:47.disappointment -- disappointing. Scotland is debating a hugely

:25:47. > :25:47.Scotland is debating a hugely Scotland is debating a hugely

:25:48. > :25:50.important matter and the BBC should important matter and the BBC should

:25:50. > :25:54.important matter and the BBC should be increasing its coverage of

:25:54. > :25:55.be increasing its coverage of be increasing its coverage of

:25:55. > :25:56.public affairs. Does the First public affairs. Does the First

:25:56. > :25:59.public affairs. Does the First Minister agree the BBC's status as

:25:59. > :26:00.Minister agree the BBC's status as Minister agree the BBC's status as

:26:00. > :26:01.an institution not only explains an institution not only explains

:26:01. > :26:03.an institution not only explains Scotland to itself, but also

:26:03. > :26:05.Scotland to itself, but also Scotland to itself, but also

:26:05. > :26:05.explains Scotland to the world and explains Scotland to the world and

:26:05. > :26:07.explains Scotland to the world and is dependent on every single member

:26:07. > :26:08.is dependent on every single member is dependent on every single member

:26:08. > :26:10.of staff that support them of staff that support them

:26:10. > :26:14.of staff that support them producing high quality news and

:26:14. > :26:18.producing high quality news and producing high quality news and

:26:18. > :26:19.analysis? This -- the staff were analysis? This -- the staff were

:26:20. > :26:22.analysis? This -- the staff were compelled to take action this week,

:26:22. > :26:23.compelled to take action this week, compelled to take action this week,

:26:23. > :26:25.compelled to take action this week, could we get a moratorium on these

:26:25. > :26:29.could we get a moratorium on these could we get a moratorium on these

:26:29. > :26:33.redundancies? I think this is a redundancies? I think this is a

:26:33. > :26:34.redundancies? I think this is a positive proposal. No fewer than

:26:34. > :26:35.positive proposal. No fewer than positive proposal. No fewer than

:26:35. > :26:37.nine of the 13 compulsory nine of the 13 compulsory

:26:37. > :26:38.nine of the 13 compulsory redundancies across the BBC will be

:26:38. > :26:40.redundancies across the BBC will be redundancies across the BBC will be

:26:40. > :26:42.of Scotland. This tells us about of Scotland. This tells us about

:26:42. > :26:44.of Scotland. This tells us about the collective ability of the BBC

:26:44. > :26:45.the collective ability of the BBC the collective ability of the BBC

:26:45. > :26:46.the collective ability of the BBC to serve Scotland. I am not saying

:26:46. > :26:47.to serve Scotland. I am not saying to serve Scotland. I am not saying

:26:47. > :26:49.to serve Scotland. I am not saying this will be the most dramatic loss

:26:49. > :26:50.this will be the most dramatic loss this will be the most dramatic loss

:26:50. > :26:51.to the Scottish population, but to the Scottish population, but

:26:51. > :26:52.to the Scottish population, but when it the Politics Show next

:26:52. > :26:53.when it the Politics Show next when it the Politics Show next

:26:53. > :26:55.when it the Politics Show next Sunday is not to be broadcast in

:26:55. > :26:58.Sunday is not to be broadcast in Scotland because the Westminster

:26:58. > :27:00.Scotland because the Westminster Scotland because the Westminster

:27:00. > :27:02.Parliament is in recess. I accept Parliament is in recess. I accept

:27:02. > :27:03.Parliament is in recess. I accept that this will not be devastating

:27:03. > :27:04.that this will not be devastating that this will not be devastating

:27:04. > :27:06.that this will not be devastating news for the vast majority of the

:27:06. > :27:07.news for the vast majority of the news for the vast majority of the

:27:07. > :27:09.Scottish population, but it does Scottish population, but it does

:27:09. > :27:12.Scottish population, but it does reflect that surely we should

:27:12. > :27:13.reflect that surely we should reflect that surely we should

:27:13. > :27:14.accept our public -- expect our accept our public -- expect our

:27:14. > :27:16.accept our public -- expect our public service broadcaster to have

:27:16. > :27:17.public service broadcaster to have public service broadcaster to have

:27:17. > :27:18.the capability to broadcast the the capability to broadcast the

:27:18. > :27:20.the capability to broadcast the current affairs taking place in

:27:20. > :27:21.current affairs taking place in current affairs taking place in

:27:21. > :27:22.Scotland and not to cancel a Scotland and not to cancel a

:27:22. > :27:24.Scotland and not to cancel a programme because Westminster is in

:27:24. > :27:26.programme because Westminster is in programme because Westminster is in

:27:26. > :27:27.programme because Westminster is in recess. It points to the lack of

:27:27. > :27:27.recess. It points to the lack of recess. It points to the lack of

:27:27. > :27:29.recess. It points to the lack of ability and BBC Scotland to do that

:27:29. > :27:29.ability and BBC Scotland to do that ability and BBC Scotland to do that

:27:29. > :27:30.ability and BBC Scotland to do that and the lack of resources which is

:27:30. > :27:32.and the lack of resources which is and the lack of resources which is

:27:32. > :27:33.going to be made more significantly going to be made more significantly

:27:33. > :27:36.going to be made more significantly challenging if these cutbacks go

:27:36. > :27:38.challenging if these cutbacks go challenging if these cutbacks go

:27:38. > :27:39.ahead. I would ask the First ahead. I would ask the First

:27:39. > :27:40.Minister whether the Scottish Minister whether the Scottish

:27:40. > :27:42.Minister whether the Scottish government plans to implement new

:27:42. > :27:45.government plans to implement new government plans to implement new

:27:45. > :27:45.men -- measures to tackle child men -- measures to tackle child

:27:45. > :27:48.men -- measures to tackle child poverty? According to the latest

:27:48. > :27:50.poverty? According to the latest poverty? According to the latest

:27:50. > :27:53.statistics, child poverty is at its statistics, child poverty is at its

:27:53. > :27:54.statistics, child poverty is at its lowest level since devolution. I am

:27:54. > :27:55.lowest level since devolution. I am lowest level since devolution. I am

:27:55. > :27:57.sure there will be general sure there will be general

:27:57. > :27:58.sure there will be general agreement that that figure is still

:27:58. > :27:59.agreement that that figure is still agreement that that figure is still

:27:59. > :28:00.agreement that that figure is still too high and we are committed to

:28:00. > :28:09.too high and we are committed to tackling poverty through

:28:09. > :28:11.tackling poverty through intervention and early recognition.

:28:11. > :28:12.intervention and early recognition. intervention and early recognition.

:28:12. > :28:13.intervention and early recognition. Can I sent the First Minister for

:28:13. > :28:14.Can I sent the First Minister for Can I sent the First Minister for

:28:14. > :28:16.his reply? Earlier this week a his reply? Earlier this week a

:28:16. > :28:17.his reply? Earlier this week a professor told members of the

:28:17. > :28:19.professor told members of the professor told members of the

:28:19. > :28:20.health committee that equality is a health committee that equality is a

:28:20. > :28:20.health committee that equality is a health committee that equality is a

:28:20. > :28:21.human right and that they hold all human right and that they hold all

:28:21. > :28:22.human right and that they hold all human right and that they hold all

:28:22. > :28:23.of us to shout about it all the of us to shout about it all the

:28:23. > :28:25.of us to shout about it all the time to find solutions. She argues

:28:25. > :28:27.time to find solutions. She argues time to find solutions. She argues

:28:27. > :28:36.many different solutions exist at many different solutions exist at

:28:36. > :28:37.many different solutions exist at many different solutions exist at

:28:37. > :28:38.every level him. If a doctor is every level him. If a doctor is

:28:38. > :28:42.every level him. If a doctor is quoted as saying the evidence is

:28:42. > :28:43.quoted as saying the evidence is quoted as saying the evidence is

:28:43. > :28:44.damning, tackling child poverty has damning, tackling child poverty has

:28:44. > :28:48.damning, tackling child poverty has ground to a halt. The projections

:28:48. > :28:49.ground to a halt. The projections ground to a halt. The projections

:28:49. > :28:52.ground to a halt. The projections are that poverty will worsen as we

:28:52. > :28:52.are that poverty will worsen as we are that poverty will worsen as we

:28:52. > :28:54.are that poverty will worsen as we reach 2020. Since we know some of

:28:54. > :28:56.reach 2020. Since we know some of his flagship policies redistributes

:28:56. > :28:58.his flagship policies redistributes his flagship policies redistributes

:28:58. > :28:58.in the wrong way, will he in the wrong way, will he

:28:58. > :29:01.in the wrong way, will he acknowledged and need to re-

:29:02. > :29:03.acknowledged and need to re- evaluate his approach?

:29:03. > :29:04.evaluate his approach? evaluate his approach?

:29:04. > :29:06.Unfortunately we are not able to Unfortunately we are not able to

:29:06. > :29:07.Unfortunately we are not able to bring you Alex Salmond's and so

:29:08. > :29:09.bring you Alex Salmond's and so bring you Alex Salmond's and so

:29:09. > :29:12.there, but the full material is there, but the full material is

:29:12. > :29:13.there, but the full material is available on democracy live. And of

:29:13. > :29:16.available on democracy live. And of available on democracy live. And of

:29:16. > :29:18.course the statement on waiting course the statement on waiting

:29:18. > :29:19.course the statement on waiting course the statement on waiting

:29:19. > :29:23.times. You can also get that on the times. You can also get that on the

:29:23. > :29:24.times. You can also get that on the democracy live website on line.

:29:24. > :29:25.democracy live website on line. democracy live website on line.

:29:25. > :29:26.That was the topic dominating That was the topic dominating

:29:26. > :29:29.That was the topic dominating questions there, you heard the

:29:29. > :29:30.questions there, you heard the questions there, you heard the

:29:30. > :29:31.argument by Labour and the Liberal argument by Labour and the Liberal

:29:31. > :29:33.argument by Labour and the Liberal Democrats accusing Alex Salmond of

:29:33. > :29:35.Democrats accusing Alex Salmond of policing propaganda ahead of

:29:35. > :29:36.policing propaganda ahead of policing propaganda ahead of

:29:36. > :29:39.patients. He reacted strongly and patients. He reacted strongly and

:29:39. > :29:41.patients. He reacted strongly and said it was exactly the opposite.

:29:41. > :29:43.said it was exactly the opposite. said it was exactly the opposite.