21/02/2013 Politics Scotland

Welcome to Politics Scotland. We Welcome to Politics Scotland. We

Welcome to Politics Scotland. We are rattling good. The main talking

are rattling good. The main talking are rattling good. The main talking

point is a hospital waiting times. point is a hospital waiting times.

point is a hospital waiting times. point is a hospital waiting times.

-- we are at Holyrood. There is a -- we are at Holyrood. There is a

-- we are at Holyrood. There is a statement on that this this

statement on that this this statement on that this this

afternoon. It might come up in afternoon. It might come up in

afternoon. It might come up in First Minister's Questions. That is

First Minister's Questions. That is First Minister's Questions. That is

the main focus of this programme. the main focus of this programme.

the main focus of this programme. the main focus of this programme.

Just ahead of my day and First Just ahead of my day and First

Minister's Questions. The question Minister's Questions. The question

Minister's Questions. The question being billed with his -- being

being billed with his -- being being billed with his -- being

dealt with his flooding. No time dealt with his flooding. No time

dealt with his flooding. No time for further general questions, or

for further general questions, or for further general questions, or

on to the main event. on to the main event.

on to the main event. What engagements as he planned for

What engagements as he planned for What engagements as he planned for

What engagements as he planned for the rest of the day? Engagements to

the rest of the day? Engagements to the rest of the day? Engagements to

take forward to the Government's take forward to the Government's

take forward to the Government's programme for Scotland. In June

programme for Scotland. In June programme for Scotland. In June

2,000 there are 11, the Scottish 2,000 there are 11, the Scottish

2,000 there are 11, the Scottish government told us only 3% of

government told us only 3% of government told us only 3% of

government told us only 3% of patients had to wait more than nine

patients had to wait more than nine weeks for in-patient appointment.

weeks for in-patient appointment. weeks for in-patient appointment.

weeks for in-patient appointment. The truth was not 3%, the truth was

The truth was not 3%, the truth was The truth was not 3%, the truth was

The truth was not 3%, the truth was 23%. Not three out of 100, but one

23%. Not three out of 100, but one 23%. Not three out of 100, but one

out of four patients waiting. Why out of four patients waiting. Why

out of four patients waiting. Why did the Scottish government so

did the Scottish government so did the Scottish government so

mislead patients in need of mislead patients in need of

hospital treatment? The waiting hospital treatment? The waiting

hospital treatment? The waiting lists have always had areas of

lists have always had areas of social unavailability, Medical

social unavailability, Medical social unavailability, Medical

unavailability. That is part and unavailability. That is part and

unavailability. That is part and unavailability. That is part and

parcel. One of the first acts of parcel. One of the first acts of

parcel. One of the first acts of this government was to abolish the

this government was to abolish the availability status code under

availability status code under availability status code under

Labour. That represented 33% of the Labour. That represented 33% of the

Labour. That represented 33% of the in-patient waiting list. That time,

in-patient waiting list. That time, in-patient waiting list. That time,

the Labour Party thought there were the Labour Party thought there were

the Labour Party thought there were the Labour Party thought there were

reasons for it to being 33% and she reasons for it to being 33% and she

reasons for it to being 33% and she reasons for it to being 33% and she

must accept the 23% figure, which I must accept the 23% figure, which I

must accept the 23% figure, which I must accept the 23% figure, which I

am happy to go into detail about, am happy to go into detail about,

am happy to go into detail about, am happy to go into detail about,

is by definition, 10% less than a is by definition, 10% less than a

is by definition, 10% less than a figure which was inherited from the

figure which was inherited from the figure which was inherited from the

figure which was inherited from the Labour Party. I do think the people

Labour Party. I do think the people Labour Party. I do think the people

of Scotland might expect that First of Scotland might expect that First

of Scotland might expect that First of Scotland might expect that First

Minister to take what he has said Minister to take what he has said

Minister to take what he has said more seriously. It is not good

more seriously. It is not good more seriously. It is not good

more seriously. It is not good enough for him to come here a week

enough for him to come here a week enough for him to come here a week

enough for him to come here a week after week and his new defence was,

after week and his new defence was, after week and his new defence was,

after week and his new defence was, it was not just me who did it.

it was not just me who did it. it was not just me who did it.

These figures represent real people These figures represent real people

These figures represent real people These figures represent real people

waiting for real help from the NHS. waiting for real help from the NHS.

waiting for real help from the NHS. Your response is about something

Your response is about something Your response is about something

entirely different which is a entirely different which is a

entirely different which is a political game, which is not the

political game, which is not the political game, which is not the

political game, which is not the key issue here. But if the First

key issue here. But if the First key issue here. But if the First

Minister took his job seriously, he Minister took his job seriously, he

Minister took his job seriously, he Minister took his job seriously, he

would no in 20th March 10, the then would no in 20th March 10, the then

would no in 20th March 10, the then Health Secretary said no-one is on

Health Secretary said no-one is on Health Secretary said no-one is on

Health Secretary said no-one is on a heading waiting list. -- in of

a heading waiting list. -- in of a heading waiting list. -- in of

March 2010. Her replacement told us March 2010. Her replacement told us

March 2010. Her replacement told us the waiting times are published and

the waiting times are published and the waiting times are published and

are reliable and accurate. are reliable and accurate.

are reliable and accurate. systems which Nicola Sturgeon and

systems which Nicola Sturgeon and systems which Nicola Sturgeon and

systems which Nicola Sturgeon and he used to make those claims are

he used to make those claims are he used to make those claims are

now described by the Royal College now described by the Royal College

now described by the Royal College of Nursing as inadequate for the

of Nursing as inadequate for the of Nursing as inadequate for the

job and letting patients down time job and letting patients down time

job and letting patients down time job and letting patients down time

and again. Is it the truth that far and again. Is it the truth that far

from abolishing hidden waiting- from abolishing hidden waiting-

from abolishing hidden waiting- lists, Nicola Sturgeon, for her own

lists, Nicola Sturgeon, for her own political convenience, reinvented

political convenience, reinvented political convenience, reinvented

and reinforce them? The figures are and reinforce them? The figures are

and reinforce them? The figures are published and cannot be hidden.

published and cannot be hidden. published and cannot be hidden.

Published figures cannot be hidden. Published figures cannot be hidden.

Published figures cannot be hidden. Published figures cannot be hidden.

She says I am talking about two She says I am talking about two

She says I am talking about two different things. It is exactly the

different things. It is exactly the different things. It is exactly the

same thing. The availability status same thing. The availability status

same thing. The availability status code was a hidden waiting list

code was a hidden waiting list code was a hidden waiting list

because people were placed on a because people were placed on a

because people were placed on a coat, 33% of impatient with or

coat, 33% of impatient with or coat, 33% of impatient with or

coat, 33% of impatient with or placed on that code and had no

placed on that code and had no placed on that code and had no

placed on that code and had no guarantee in terms of their path we

guarantee in terms of their path we guarantee in terms of their path we

through the Health Service. There through the Health Service. There

through the Health Service. There through the Health Service. There

are a variety of reasons why people are a variety of reasons why people

are a variety of reasons why people went have operations at a

went have operations at a went have operations at a

particular time. They might have a particular time. They might have a

particular time. They might have a medical condition that prevents an

medical condition that prevents an medical condition that prevents an

operation, they might have a heart operation, they might have a heart

operation, they might have a heart condition or high blood pressure.

condition or high blood pressure. condition or high blood pressure.

It would make a medical procedure It would make a medical procedure

It would make a medical procedure inadvisable. These things are in

inadvisable. These things are in inadvisable. These things are in

the report. If indeed, Labour have the report. If indeed, Labour have

the report. If indeed, Labour have the report. If indeed, Labour have

read it. The IT systems in the read it. The IT systems in the

read it. The IT systems in the health system are not robust enough

health system are not robust enough health system are not robust enough

to give the proper examination to give the proper examination

to give the proper examination across the health boards. That is

across the health boards. That is across the health boards. That is

exactly why the IT systems are exactly why the IT systems are

exactly why the IT systems are being enhanced and improved. It is

being enhanced and improved. It is being enhanced and improved. It is

being enhanced and improved. It is not just a tale of two governments,

not just a tale of two governments, not just a tale of two governments,

not just a tale of two governments, it is a tale of changing the system

it is a tale of changing the system it is a tale of changing the system

which was clearly a heading waiting which was clearly a heading waiting

which was clearly a heading waiting list affecting 33% of patients. It

list affecting 33% of patients. It list affecting 33% of patients. It

is constantly improving. It is a is constantly improving. It is a

is constantly improving. It is a position of making the changes that

position of making the changes that position of making the changes that

are required so patients around are required so patients around

are required so patients around Scotland can have confidence in

Scotland can have confidence in Scotland can have confidence in

these figures. That is a government these figures. That is a government

these figures. That is a government which is facing the issues as

which is facing the issues as which is facing the issues as

opposed to the position we opposed to the position we

opposed to the position we inherited where people were dumped

inherited where people were dumped inherited where people were dumped

on the availability status go out on the availability status go out

on the availability status go out and left their. The First

and left their. The First and left their. The First

Minister's first defence is, there Minister's first defence is, there

Minister's first defence is, there is nothing wrong. The second

is nothing wrong. The second is nothing wrong. The second

is nothing wrong. The second defence, a big, bad computer did it

defence, a big, bad computer did it defence, a big, bad computer did it

defence, a big, bad computer did it and run away. Then he says, we are

and run away. Then he says, we are and run away. Then he says, we are

changing things. If you do not changing things. If you do not

changing things. If you do not understand a problem, I am bemused

understand a problem, I am bemused understand a problem, I am bemused

understand a problem, I am bemused how you can work out what the

how you can work out what the how you can work out what the

how you can work out what the changes are. Let me make it simple

changes are. Let me make it simple changes are. Let me make it simple

for the First Minister. In 20th for the First Minister. In 20th

for the First Minister. In 20th June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given

June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given

June 11, Nicola Sturgeon was given a set of figures which said 3% of

a set of figures which said 3% of a set of figures which said 3% of

patients waited more than nine patients waited more than nine

patients waited more than nine patients waited more than nine

weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was

weeks. -- June 0211. The truth was 33%. She was given figures which

33%. She was given figures which 33%. She was given figures which

33%. She was given figures which said the number of people too busy

said the number of people too busy said the number of people too busy

said the number of people too busy to get the treatment they needed a

to get the treatment they needed a to get the treatment they needed a

to get the treatment they needed a tripled. She was told one in three

tripled. She was told one in three tripled. She was told one in three

Scots who are on waiting lists Scots who are on waiting lists

Scots who are on waiting lists Scots who are on waiting lists

needed -- said they were too busy needed -- said they were too busy

needed -- said they were too busy needed -- said they were too busy

to be cured. She knew what was to be cured. She knew what was

to be cured. She knew what was to be cured. She knew what was

happening. Did she not have the wit happening. Did she not have the wit

happening. Did she not have the wit to noticed waiting lists were being

to noticed waiting lists were being to noticed waiting lists were being

to noticed waiting lists were being false divide? Did that to suit her

false divide? Did that to suit her false divide? Did that to suit her

purpose? -- were being false purpose? -- were being false

purpose? -- were being false purpose? -- were being false

divide? Let us look at why patients divide? Let us look at why patients

divide? Let us look at why patients divide? Let us look at why patients

might not be able to have an might not be able to have an

might not be able to have an operation in a timescale. Let us

operation in a timescale. Let us operation in a timescale. Let us

operation in a timescale. Let us point to page 30 of the report.

point to page 30 of the report. Medical unavailability has remained

Medical unavailability has remained Medical unavailability has remained

consistent at around 8% over recent consistent at around 8% over recent

consistent at around 8% over recent years. There is an element of

years. There is an element of years. There is an element of

people consistent whom, for medical people consistent whom, for medical

people consistent whom, for medical people consistent whom, for medical

reasons, are not in a position to reasons, are not in a position to

reasons, are not in a position to have their procedure in the time.

have their procedure in the time. That is Medical unavailability.

That is Medical unavailability. That is Medical unavailability.

That is Medical unavailability. There is a range of reasons why

There is a range of reasons why There is a range of reasons why

people might not want an operation. people might not want an operation.

people might not want an operation. Because they have work reasons,

Because they have work reasons, Because they have work reasons,

they are a holiday. That is they are a holiday. That is

they are a holiday. That is perfectly legitimate. It points to

perfectly legitimate. It points to perfectly legitimate. It points to

perfectly legitimate. It points to the IT systems. That is the point

the IT systems. That is the point the IT systems. That is the point

the IT systems. That is the point of the report. They are not robust

of the report. They are not robust of the report. They are not robust

enough to provide the examination. enough to provide the examination.

enough to provide the examination. enough to provide the examination.

If you have a problem with ITV, it If you have a problem with ITV, it

If you have a problem with ITV, it If you have a problem with ITV, it

is not a good idea to introduce the is not a good idea to introduce the

is not a good idea to introduce the is not a good idea to introduce the

care system to sorting out. -- if care system to sorting out. -- if

care system to sorting out. -- if care system to sorting out. -- if

you have a problem with IT. Would you have a problem with IT. Would

you have a problem with IT. Would you have a problem with IT. Would

it be preferable to leave it alone it be preferable to leave it alone

it be preferable to leave it alone it be preferable to leave it alone

as the Labour Party did and not as the Labour Party did and not

as the Labour Party did and not improve things in the Health

improve things in the Health improve things in the Health

Service? There are areas in which Service? There are areas in which

Service? There are areas in which Service? There are areas in which

you can point do, which are not you can point do, which are not

about the particular social about the particular social

unavailability or medical unavailability or medical

unavailability or medical unavailability. We know 80% of

unavailability. We know 80% of unavailability. We know 80% of

patients are satisfied with the patients are satisfied with the

patients are satisfied with the patients are satisfied with the

waiting times in the NHS. 88% is waiting times in the NHS. 88% is

waiting times in the NHS. 88% is waiting times in the NHS. 88% is

not 100%. The NHS is not perfect. not 100%. The NHS is not perfect.

not 100%. The NHS is not perfect. not 100%. The NHS is not perfect.

But 88% is a high figure. Although But 88% is a high figure. Although

But 88% is a high figure. Although But 88% is a high figure. Although

the NHS is not perfect, it is an the NHS is not perfect, it is an

the NHS is not perfect, it is an outstanding help service and every

outstanding help service and every outstanding help service and every

single member in this chamber single member in this chamber

single member in this chamber single member in this chamber

should be proud of the work it does. should be proud of the work it does.

should be proud of the work it does. should be proud of the work it does.

It is grossly bid -- because of the It is grossly bid -- because of the

It is grossly bid -- because of the It is grossly bid -- because of the

NHS we deserve or a government that NHS we deserve or a government that

NHS we deserve or a government that NHS we deserve or a government that

looks at Health figures. -- it is looks at Health figures. -- it is

looks at Health figures. -- it is precisely because of the NHS. In

precisely because of the NHS. In precisely because of the NHS. In

December, Alec Neil said there is December, Alec Neil said there is

December, Alec Neil said there is nothing wrong. The First Minister

nothing wrong. The First Minister nothing wrong. The First Minister

says there is nothing wrong again says there is nothing wrong again

says there is nothing wrong again says there is nothing wrong again

today. The rest of the world knows, today. The rest of the world knows,

today. The rest of the world knows, everybody else knows, there was a

everybody else knows, there was a everybody else knows, there was a

manipulation of the figures to manipulation of the figures to

manipulation of the figures to avoid the Government having to

avoid the Government having to avoid the Government having to

confront the failures in their own confront the failures in their own

confront the failures in their own confront the failures in their own

policy. Of course, by heart of this policy. Of course, by heart of this

policy. Of course, by heart of this Government is one policy, one code,

Government is one policy, one code, Government is one policy, one code,

one belief that runs through one belief that runs through

one belief that runs through everything. Whatever the truth, if

everything. Whatever the truth, if everything. Whatever the truth, if

you say something often enough, the you say something often enough, the

you say something often enough, the nationalists think you can fool the

nationalists think you can fool the nationalists think you can fool the

people of Scotland into believing people of Scotland into believing

people of Scotland into believing it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if

it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if it. Order.Alex Salmond believes if

you compare Nicola Sturgeon to you compare Nicola Sturgeon to

you compare Nicola Sturgeon to others often enough, we will see

others often enough, we will see others often enough, we will see

others often enough, we will see her in the same alight. But they

her in the same alight. But they her in the same alight. But they

never put pressure leases a of never put pressure leases a of

never put pressure leases a of patients. We have found out

patients. We have found out patients. We have found out

patients comes second to propaganda patients comes second to propaganda

with this government. Someone with this government. Someone

with this government. Someone should tell Nicola Sturgeon false

should tell Nicola Sturgeon false should tell Nicola Sturgeon false

statistics and public deception do statistics and public deception do

statistics and public deception do statistics and public deception do

not cure patients and they do not not cure patients and they do not

not cure patients and they do not win referendums. It has been said

win referendums. It has been said win referendums. It has been said

in politics... There are two types in politics... There are two types

in politics... There are two types of health ministers. Failures and

of health ministers. Failures and of health ministers. Failures and

of health ministers. Failures and those who get a in time. Is the

those who get a in time. Is the those who get a in time. Is the

truth laid bare today that despite truth laid bare today that despite

truth laid bare today that despite the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not the spin, Nicola Sturgeon did not

get out in time? I was going to say get out in time? I was going to say

get out in time? I was going to say there were three health ministers.

there were three health ministers. there were three health ministers.

there were three health ministers. Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow

Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow Andy Kerr, who was trying to blow

accident and emergency wards... Let accident and emergency wards... Let

accident and emergency wards... Let accident and emergency wards... Let

us take the issue. The audit report us take the issue. The audit report

us take the issue. The audit report examined 200,000. The conclusion to

examined 200,000. The conclusion to examined 200,000. The conclusion to

examined 200,000. The conclusion to was a small number of instances in

was a small number of instances in which unavailable -- unavailability

which unavailable -- unavailability which unavailable -- unavailability

was inappropriate. That is just a was inappropriate. That is just a

small number of. Patient small number of. Patient

satisfaction, I have already satisfaction, I have already

satisfaction, I have already satisfaction, I have already

pointed that out. She will say that pointed that out. She will say that

pointed that out. She will say that pointed that out. She will say that

does not matter but that is what does not matter but that is what

does not matter but that is what matters. That is the point that

matters. That is the point that matters. That is the point that

matters. We can measure how the matters. We can measure how the

matters. We can measure how the Health Service is doing above and

Health Service is doing above and beyond the social unavailability.

beyond the social unavailability. beyond the social unavailability.

Since to designate, the median time, Since to designate, the median time,

Since to designate, the median time, waiting time, reduced from a 40

waiting time, reduced from a 40 waiting time, reduced from a 40

waiting time, reduced from a 40 days to 32 days. That shows there

days to 32 days. That shows there days to 32 days. That shows there

days to 32 days. That shows there has been an improvement in the NHS.

has been an improvement in the NHS. has been an improvement in the NHS.

In reading out her prepared In reading out her prepared

In reading out her prepared question, the game was given away.

question, the game was given away. question, the game was given away.

We were told this Government is We were told this Government is

We were told this Government is obsessed by the politics. This is

obsessed by the politics. This is obsessed by the politics. This is

obsessed by the politics. This is not about the NHS, this is about

not about the NHS, this is about not about the NHS, this is about

Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour

Nicola Sturgeon and the Labour Party. The statement they released,

Party. The statement they released, Party. The statement they released,

Party. The statement they released, did it say we want improvements in

did it say we want improvements in did it say we want improvements in

the NHS? We want the computer the NHS? We want the computer

the NHS? We want the computer system to be fast-tracked? No,

system to be fast-tracked? No, system to be fast-tracked? No,

Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden

Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden Nicola Sturgeon knew of hidden

waiting list. That is the point. waiting list. That is the point.

waiting list. That is the point. order. Order. The response? The

order. Order. The response? The order. Order. The response? The

relevance is it is typical of relevance is it is typical of

relevance is it is typical of relevance is it is typical of

Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is

Labour's attitude to the NHS. It is not about improving the NHS or

not about improving the NHS or not about improving the NHS or

not about improving the NHS or being proud of it, but basically a

being proud of it, but basically a politically attacking health

politically attacking health secretaries. They should be

secretaries. They should be questioning the improvements that

questioning the improvements that questioning the improvements that

must take place and then accusing must take place and then accusing

must take place and then accusing the Government. Is the Labour

the Government. Is the Labour the Government. Is the Labour

leader not aware of the leader not aware of the

unintentional comedy of that unintentional comedy of that

unintentional comedy of that question over the most serious

question over the most serious question over the most serious

question over the most serious issue of all, the NHS? It is not

issue of all, the NHS? It is not issue of all, the NHS? It is not

without failings or faults but it without failings or faults but it

without failings or faults but it is an outstanding Health Service of

is an outstanding Health Service of is an outstanding Health Service of

is an outstanding Health Service of what everyone of us should be proud.

what everyone of us should be proud. what everyone of us should be proud.

Order. Question number two. To ask Order. Question number two. To ask

Order. Question number two. To ask Order. Question number two. To ask

when he will meet the Secretary of when he will meet the Secretary of

when he will meet the Secretary of when he will meet the Secretary of

State for Scotland. No plans in the State for Scotland. No plans in the

State for Scotland. No plans in the near future. On Tuesday, the

near future. On Tuesday, the near future. On Tuesday, the

Cabinet Secretary gave a statement Cabinet Secretary gave a statement

Cabinet Secretary gave a statement to this chamber on that horsemeat

to this chamber on that horsemeat to this chamber on that horsemeat

scandal. Can the First Minister scandal. Can the First Minister

scandal. Can the First Minister scandal. Can the First Minister

tell us why he failed to mention tell us why he failed to mention

the food standards agency's the food standards agency's

the food standards agency's operating budget in Scotland has

operating budget in Scotland has operating budget in Scotland has

operating budget in Scotland has been secretly slashed by 10% in the

been secretly slashed by 10% in the been secretly slashed by 10% in the

last year? I think the general last year? I think the general

last year? I think the general opinion shared not by the

opinion shared not by the Government but across every

Government but across every Government but across every

commentator is the decision of this commentator is the decision of this

Government to leave key Government to leave key

responsibilities with the Food responsibilities with the Food

responsibilities with the Food Standards Agency has opposed to

Standards Agency has opposed to Standards Agency has opposed to

take them directly into government take them directly into government

take them directly into government take them directly into government

as was done south of the border has as was done south of the border has

as was done south of the border has as was done south of the border has

resulted in us being in a better resulted in us being in a better

resulted in us being in a better resulted in us being in a better

position. We will be in a better position. We will be in a better

position. We will be in a better position yet as we publish our

position yet as we publish our position yet as we publish our

proposals to have a Scottish Food proposals to have a Scottish Food

proposals to have a Scottish Food Standards Agency. A minute ago, it

Standards Agency. A minute ago, it Standards Agency. A minute ago, it

Standards Agency. A minute ago, it was a computer's fault, now it is

was a computer's fault, now it is was a computer's fault, now it is

Westminster's. In Scotland, none of Westminster's. In Scotland, none of

Westminster's. In Scotland, none of the functions were moved elsewhere.

the functions were moved elsewhere. the functions were moved elsewhere.

the functions were moved elsewhere. Let us look at the time mind. This

Let us look at the time mind. This Let us look at the time mind. This

makes this worse. The Government makes this worse. The Government

makes this worse. The Government learned there was horsemeat in the

learned there was horsemeat in the learned there was horsemeat in the

learned there was horsemeat in the food chain her on 14th January. On

food chain her on 14th January. On food chain her on 14th January. On

7th February, they published the 7th February, they published the

7th February, they published the spring Budget revision, showing a

spring Budget revision, showing a spring Budget revision, showing a

spring Budget revision, showing a �1.1 million smash and grab on food

�1.1 million smash and grab on food �1.1 million smash and grab on food

standards. That was three weeks standards. That was three weeks

standards. That was three weeks standards. That was three weeks

into a food scandal. That is a into a food scandal. That is a

into a food scandal. That is a into a food scandal. That is a

direct assault on the work the FSA direct assault on the work the FSA

direct assault on the work the FSA does in Scotland. Did nobody notice,

does in Scotland. Did nobody notice, does in Scotland. Did nobody notice,

does in Scotland. Did nobody notice, did nobody think it might be risky

did nobody think it might be risky did nobody think it might be risky

did nobody think it might be risky idea to take money out of the FSA

idea to take money out of the FSA idea to take money out of the FSA

idea to take money out of the FSA budget in the middle of a growing

budget in the middle of a growing budget in the middle of a growing

crisis? Surely at this time, this crisis? Surely at this time, this

crisis? Surely at this time, this crisis? Surely at this time, this

time more than any, it needs the time more than any, it needs the

time more than any, it needs the full resources and tools to

full resources and tools to full resources and tools to

maintain public confidence in our maintain public confidence in our

maintain public confidence in our food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain

food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain food? Can Joseph Ratzinger explain

the logic behind this? -- First Every part of the public sector is

Every part of the public sector is Every part of the public sector is

under extreme pressure apart from under extreme pressure apart from

under extreme pressure apart from the health service which has been

the health service which has been the health service which has been

guaranteed to a real-terms increase. guaranteed to a real-terms increase.

guaranteed to a real-terms increase. Given the cutbacks from the Tory

Given the cutbacks from the Tory Given the cutbacks from the Tory

Government, every part of the Government, every part of the

Government, every part of the public sector is under pressure.

public sector is under pressure. public sector is under pressure.

public sector is under pressure. But I do not think... It was the

But I do not think... It was the But I do not think... It was the

decision to leave key functions decision to leave key functions

decision to leave key functions with the Food Standards Agency. It

with the Food Standards Agency. It with the Food Standards Agency. It

with the Food Standards Agency. It is part of the better position we

is part of the better position we is part of the better position we

is part of the better position we have in Scotland in terms of facing

have in Scotland in terms of facing have in Scotland in terms of facing

have in Scotland in terms of facing up to the crisis. I do not accept

up to the crisis. I do not accept up to the crisis. I do not accept

that confidence in Scottish food that confidence in Scottish food

that confidence in Scottish food that confidence in Scottish food

has been lowered by events in the has been lowered by events in the

has been lowered by events in the last few weeks. As the Cabinet

last few weeks. As the Cabinet last few weeks. As the Cabinet

Secretary rightly said, there is a Secretary rightly said, there is a

Secretary rightly said, there is a change in attitude in terms of

change in attitude in terms of change in attitude in terms of

people's rightful demands in terms people's rightful demands in terms

people's rightful demands in terms of the sourcing and integrity of

of the sourcing and integrity of of the sourcing and integrity of

of the sourcing and integrity of the product and that will be good

the product and that will be good the product and that will be good

for the Scottish industry which can for the Scottish industry which can

for the Scottish industry which can match these high standards. I hope

match these high standards. I hope match these high standards. I hope

with Davidson conjoin with the with Davidson conjoin with the

with Davidson conjoin with the Government as we prepare a food

Government as we prepare a food standards agency for Scotland,

standards agency for Scotland, standards agency for Scotland,

learning lessons from what has learning lessons from what has

learning lessons from what has happened over the last few weeks.

happened over the last few weeks. happened over the last few weeks.

happened over the last few weeks. We will make sure the new Scottish

We will make sure the new Scottish We will make sure the new Scottish

Food Standards Agency will be the Food Standards Agency will be the

Food Standards Agency will be the Food Standards Agency will be the

Food Standards Agency will be the best it can be. I do not know if it

best it can be. I do not know if it best it can be. I do not know if it

best it can be. I do not know if it is the greatest position of the --

is the greatest position of the -- is the greatest position of the --

for a Conservative leader to come for a Conservative leader to come

for a Conservative leader to come to this Parliament and talk about

to this Parliament and talk about to this Parliament and talk about

additional public spending in a additional public spending in a

additional public spending in a additional public spending in a

week when she has proposed a 500 week when she has proposed a 500

week when she has proposed a 500 million reduction cuts in income

million reduction cuts in income million reduction cuts in income

tax. If the Conservative Party tax. If the Conservative Party

tax. If the Conservative Party could do quite a that calculation,

could do quite a that calculation, could do quite a that calculation,

could do quite a that calculation, it is difficult to ask for more

it is difficult to ask for more it is difficult to ask for more

public spending when your new core public spending when your new core

public spending when your new core public spending when your new core

policy is to smash and grab and/it policy is to smash and grab and/it

policy is to smash and grab and/it policy is to smash and grab and/it

much further. A I have a number of much further. A I have a number of

much further. A I have a number of constituency questions and I would

constituency questions and I would constituency questions and I would

constituency questions and I would like to get them in. Can I ask

like to get them in. Can I ask like to get them in. Can I ask

people to keep their questions and people to keep their questions and

people to keep their questions and answers as brief as possible?

answers as brief as possible? answers as brief as possible?

answers as brief as possible? First Minister will be aware of the

First Minister will be aware of the report published yesterday

report published yesterday report published yesterday

confirming the Forth Road Bridge is confirming the Forth Road Bridge is

confirming the Forth Road Bridge is confirming the Forth Road Bridge is

not about to fall into the sea. Of not about to fall into the sea. Of

the First Minister regret the First Minister regret

the First Minister regret committing to a massively expensive

committing to a massively expensive additional Bridge, sucking money

additional Bridge, sucking money additional Bridge, sucking money

away from other projects, before away from other projects, before

away from other projects, before knowing the results of the repair

knowing the results of the repair knowing the results of the repair

knowing the results of the repair work? What would stop this or a

work? What would stop this or a future government bringing more

future government bringing more future government bringing more

congestion to the Lothians by going congestion to the Lothians by going

congestion to the Lothians by going back on the commitment to the

back on the commitment to the back on the commitment to the

existing bridge being dedicated to existing bridge being dedicated to

existing bridge being dedicated to public transport? Firstly, we will

public transport? Firstly, we will public transport? Firstly, we will

maintain the commitment. I do not maintain the commitment. I do not

maintain the commitment. I do not maintain the commitment. I do not

share your analysis of this. If we share your analysis of this. If we

share your analysis of this. If we had maintain the current bridge,

had maintain the current bridge, had maintain the current bridge,

then that in itself would have then that in itself would have

then that in itself would have proposed and imposed huge economic

proposed and imposed huge economic proposed and imposed huge economic

cost to the Scottish economy. One cost to the Scottish economy. One

cost to the Scottish economy. One of the reasons this parliament, by

of the reasons this parliament, by of the reasons this parliament, by

a massive majority, decided to go a massive majority, decided to go

a massive majority, decided to go ahead is because they looked at

ahead is because they looked at ahead is because they looked at

that analysis. It should be quite that analysis. It should be quite

that analysis. It should be quite good news that some remedial

good news that some remedial good news that some remedial

measures taken over the last few measures taken over the last few

measures taken over the last few years are having some effect. The

years are having some effect. The years are having some effect. The

report indicated there is no report indicated there is no

report indicated there is no guarantee that can be consistently

guarantee that can be consistently guarantee that can be consistently

maintained in the future which is maintained in the future which is

maintained in the future which is maintained in the future which is

why we will be in a better position why we will be in a better position

why we will be in a better position why we will be in a better position

if we can do more of rigorous if we can do more of rigorous

if we can do more of rigorous maintenance of the current bridge

maintenance of the current bridge maintenance of the current bridge

maintenance of the current bridge in a situation where we have an

in a situation where we have an in a situation where we have an

alternative across the fourth. -- alternative across the fourth. --

alternative across the fourth. -- alternative across the fourth. --

across the River Forth. I do not across the River Forth. I do not

across the River Forth. I do not share this analysis from Alison

share this analysis from Alison share this analysis from Alison

Johnson, but the commitment made to Johnson, but the commitment made to

Johnson, but the commitment made to the bridge will be maintained by

the bridge will be maintained by the bridge will be maintained by

this Government. The fishing and this Government. The fishing and

this Government. The fishing and shooting rights had been taken away

shooting rights had been taken away shooting rights had been taken away

shooting rights had been taken away from local crofters and sold to a

from local crofters and sold to a from local crofters and sold to a

shooting Company in their share by shooting Company in their share by

the Scottish government. The the Scottish government. The

the Scottish government. The crofters have built for the value

crofters have built for the value crofters have built for the value

over the years and invested in over the years and invested in

over the years and invested in their own community. Does he agree

their own community. Does he agree their own community. Does he agree

their own community. Does he agree this flies in the face of the ethos

this flies in the face of the ethos this flies in the face of the ethos

this flies in the face of the ethos of land reform and will he take

of land reform and will he take of land reform and will he take

steps to return those rights where steps to return those rights where

steps to return those rights where they belong, with the local

they belong, with the local community? There are difficulties

community? There are difficulties community? There are difficulties

in terms of upholding the Scottish in terms of upholding the Scottish

in terms of upholding the Scottish public finance principles and best

public finance principles and best public finance principles and best

value. It is not nestling within value. It is not nestling within

value. It is not nestling within the discretion of ministers to

the discretion of ministers to the discretion of ministers to

overturn these because these are overturn these because these are

overturn these because these are overturn these because these are

things which you are bound by. I things which you are bound by. I

things which you are bound by. I heard the Minister addressing the

heard the Minister addressing the heard the Minister addressing the

subject of this morning on the subject of this morning on the

subject of this morning on the subject of this morning on the

radio and insuring he would make an radio and insuring he would make an

radio and insuring he would make an initiative to allay some of the

initiative to allay some of the initiative to allay some of the

fears that have been expressed. fears that have been expressed.

fears that have been expressed. would ask the First Minister

would ask the First Minister would ask the First Minister

weather in light of the fatal weather in light of the fatal

weather in light of the fatal accident and failure on 14th

accident and failure on 14th accident and failure on 14th

February, will he bring forward a February, will he bring forward a

February, will he bring forward a regulation order to restrict the

regulation order to restrict the regulation order to restrict the

movement of 44 tonne lorries? movement of 44 tonne lorries?

movement of 44 tonne lorries? was a terrible incident and our

was a terrible incident and our was a terrible incident and our

sympathies are with the family and sympathies are with the family and

sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim who

friends of the victim who friends of the victim who

tragically lost her life. Police tragically lost her life. Police

investigations into the accident investigations into the accident

investigations into the accident investigations into the accident

are ongoing and in light of that, are ongoing and in light of that,

are ongoing and in light of that, it would be inappropriate to

it would be inappropriate to comment on the particular

comment on the particular comment on the particular

circumstances that follow from that. circumstances that follow from that.

circumstances that follow from that. Officials will be meeting with the

Officials will be meeting with the Officials will be meeting with the

police to obtain more detailed police to obtain more detailed

police to obtain more detailed information on the general public

information on the general public information on the general public

transport aspects of this incident. transport aspects of this incident.

transport aspects of this incident. Once investigations are concluded I

Once investigations are concluded I Once investigations are concluded I

will report back to the will report back to the

will report back to the constituency member of. I would ask

constituency member of. I would ask constituency member of. I would ask

the First Minister what issues will the First Minister what issues will

the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the first meeting

be discussed at the first meeting be discussed at the first meeting

of the Cabinet? Matters of of the Cabinet? Matters of

of the Cabinet? Matters of importance to the people of

importance to the people of importance to the people of

Scotland. On waiting times, I am Scotland. On waiting times, I am

Scotland. On waiting times, I am astonished the First Minister seems

astonished the First Minister seems astonished the First Minister seems

satisfied with 23%. Has he any satisfied with 23%. Has he any

satisfied with 23%. Has he any satisfied with 23%. Has he any

regrets when he was telling us at regrets when he was telling us at

regrets when he was telling us at regrets when he was telling us at

the time when he put his press the time when he put his press

the time when he put his press the time when he put his press

release out riding a they had got release out riding a they had got

release out riding a they had got release out riding a they had got

rid of the smoke and mirrors? -- rid of the smoke and mirrors? --

bragging. When their individual bragging. When their individual

bragging. When their individual instances of patients who have not

instances of patients who have not instances of patients who have not

been properly treated within the been properly treated within the

been properly treated within the NHS, both the NHS and ministers

NHS, both the NHS and ministers have apologised and specific

have apologised and specific have apologised and specific

circumstances. The point I was circumstances. The point I was

circumstances. The point I was making, if you look at the

making, if you look at the making, if you look at the

making, if you look at the integrity of the NHS, we have an

integrity of the NHS, we have an excellent service which is

excellent service which is improving its efficiency and

improving its efficiency and improving its efficiency and

standards over recent years. In the standards over recent years. In the

standards over recent years. In the anxiety for the political to-ing

anxiety for the political to-ing anxiety for the political to-ing

anxiety for the political to-ing and fro-ing, we should not as a

and fro-ing, we should not as a and fro-ing, we should not as a

parliament or people lose sight hat parliament or people lose sight hat

parliament or people lose sight hat in how important and wonderful but

in how important and wonderful but in how important and wonderful but

institution is. -- led's remember institution is. -- led's remember

institution is. -- led's remember institution is. -- led's remember

the integrity of the system is an the integrity of the system is an

outstanding public health service. outstanding public health service.

outstanding public health service. outstanding public health service.

It was his government who issued 50 It was his government who issued 50

It was his government who issued 50 press releases bride gave me about

press releases bride gave me about press releases bride gave me about

his waiting time the initiatives. - his waiting time the initiatives. -

his waiting time the initiatives. - his waiting time the initiatives. -

- bragging. He was telling us how - bragging. He was telling us how

- bragging. He was telling us how good the system was when a

good the system was when a good the system was when a

thousands were enduring the waiting thousands were enduring the waiting

thousands were enduring the waiting times of Siberia. The the

times of Siberia. The the availability status code was

availability status code was availability status code was

abolished and could be described abolished and could be described

abolished and could be described underrate government -- under a

underrate government -- under a underrate government -- under a

Liberal Government akin to waiting Liberal Government akin to waiting

Liberal Government akin to waiting times in Siberia. The new system

times in Siberia. The new system times in Siberia. The new system

times in Siberia. The new system means you did not lose your rights,

means you did not lose your rights, means you did not lose your rights,

means you did not lose your rights, the clock was reset and you still

the clock was reset and you still the clock was reset and you still

retain the rights within the health retain the rights within the health

retain the rights within the health retain the rights within the health

service. I do think it is a bit service. I do think it is a bit

service. I do think it is a bit much to talk about the health

much to talk about the health much to talk about the health

service equivalent to Siberia which service equivalent to Siberia which

service equivalent to Siberia which service equivalent to Siberia which

was what the service could was when was what the service could was when

was what the service could was when the Liberal Party were in power,

the Liberal Party were in power, the Liberal Party were in power,

then to criticise a system where then to criticise a system where

then to criticise a system where patients keep up their rights

patients keep up their rights patients keep up their rights

within the health service! Anyone within the health service! Anyone

within the health service! Anyone who thinks about that matter will

who thinks about that matter will who thinks about that matter will

recognise there are proper reasons recognise there are proper reasons

recognise there are proper reasons recognise there are proper reasons

why people might not have a prissy why people might not have a prissy

why people might not have a prissy why people might not have a prissy

in that they set a timescale. The - in that they set a timescale. The -

in that they set a timescale. The - in that they set a timescale. The -

- may not have a procedure. There - may not have a procedure. There

- may not have a procedure. There were a small number of instances

were a small number of instances were a small number of instances

were unavailable at the -- were unavailable at the --

were unavailable at the -- unavailability codes were used in

unavailability codes were used in unavailability codes were used in

appropriately. That backs up the appropriately. That backs up the

appropriately. That backs up the fact that when improvements are

fact that when improvements are fact that when improvements are

necessary, both in terms of the necessary, both in terms of the

necessary, both in terms of the computer systems and in the style

computer systems and in the style computer systems and in the style

of the health service, this service of the health service, this service

is performing substantially better is performing substantially better

is performing substantially better compared to when the Liberal Party

compared to when the Liberal Party compared to when the Liberal Party

were part of the Labour coalition. were part of the Labour coalition.

were part of the Labour coalition. were part of the Labour coalition.

I want to ask the First Minister I want to ask the First Minister

what recent discussions the what recent discussions the

what recent discussions the Scottish government have had with

Scottish government have had with Scottish government have had with

the BBC in relation to redundancies the BBC in relation to redundancies

the BBC in relation to redundancies and BBC Scotland? In discussions

and BBC Scotland? In discussions and BBC Scotland? In discussions

with the BBC Trust, the director- with the BBC Trust, the director-

with the BBC Trust, the director- general for BBC Scotland, at the

general for BBC Scotland, at the general for BBC Scotland, at the

director for BBC Scotland rather, director for BBC Scotland rather,

director for BBC Scotland rather, director for BBC Scotland rather,

and all four directors of the BBC and all four directors of the BBC

and all four directors of the BBC and all four directors of the BBC

and in the last four month, the and in the last four month, the

Government has consistently argued Government has consistently argued

Government has consistently argued for jobs in Scotland. BBC

for jobs in Scotland. BBC for jobs in Scotland. BBC

Scotland's decision to cut jobs his Scotland's decision to cut jobs his

disappointment -- disappointing. disappointment -- disappointing.

disappointment -- disappointing. Scotland is debating a hugely

Scotland is debating a hugely Scotland is debating a hugely

important matter and the BBC should important matter and the BBC should

important matter and the BBC should be increasing its coverage of

be increasing its coverage of be increasing its coverage of

public affairs. Does the First public affairs. Does the First

public affairs. Does the First Minister agree the BBC's status as

Minister agree the BBC's status as Minister agree the BBC's status as

an institution not only explains an institution not only explains

an institution not only explains Scotland to itself, but also

Scotland to itself, but also Scotland to itself, but also

explains Scotland to the world and explains Scotland to the world and

explains Scotland to the world and is dependent on every single member

is dependent on every single member is dependent on every single member

of staff that support them of staff that support them

of staff that support them producing high quality news and

producing high quality news and producing high quality news and

analysis? This -- the staff were analysis? This -- the staff were

analysis? This -- the staff were compelled to take action this week,

compelled to take action this week, compelled to take action this week,

compelled to take action this week, could we get a moratorium on these

could we get a moratorium on these could we get a moratorium on these

redundancies? I think this is a redundancies? I think this is a

redundancies? I think this is a positive proposal. No fewer than

positive proposal. No fewer than positive proposal. No fewer than

nine of the 13 compulsory nine of the 13 compulsory

nine of the 13 compulsory redundancies across the BBC will be

redundancies across the BBC will be redundancies across the BBC will be

of Scotland. This tells us about of Scotland. This tells us about

of Scotland. This tells us about the collective ability of the BBC

the collective ability of the BBC the collective ability of the BBC

the collective ability of the BBC to serve Scotland. I am not saying

to serve Scotland. I am not saying to serve Scotland. I am not saying

to serve Scotland. I am not saying this will be the most dramatic loss

this will be the most dramatic loss this will be the most dramatic loss

to the Scottish population, but to the Scottish population, but

to the Scottish population, but when it the Politics Show next

when it the Politics Show next when it the Politics Show next

when it the Politics Show next Sunday is not to be broadcast in

Sunday is not to be broadcast in Scotland because the Westminster

Scotland because the Westminster Scotland because the Westminster

Parliament is in recess. I accept Parliament is in recess. I accept

Parliament is in recess. I accept that this will not be devastating

that this will not be devastating that this will not be devastating

that this will not be devastating news for the vast majority of the

news for the vast majority of the news for the vast majority of the

Scottish population, but it does Scottish population, but it does

Scottish population, but it does reflect that surely we should

reflect that surely we should reflect that surely we should

accept our public -- expect our accept our public -- expect our

accept our public -- expect our public service broadcaster to have

public service broadcaster to have public service broadcaster to have

the capability to broadcast the the capability to broadcast the

the capability to broadcast the current affairs taking place in

current affairs taking place in current affairs taking place in

Scotland and not to cancel a Scotland and not to cancel a

Scotland and not to cancel a programme because Westminster is in

programme because Westminster is in programme because Westminster is in

programme because Westminster is in recess. It points to the lack of

recess. It points to the lack of recess. It points to the lack of

recess. It points to the lack of ability and BBC Scotland to do that

ability and BBC Scotland to do that ability and BBC Scotland to do that

ability and BBC Scotland to do that and the lack of resources which is

and the lack of resources which is and the lack of resources which is

going to be made more significantly going to be made more significantly

going to be made more significantly challenging if these cutbacks go

challenging if these cutbacks go challenging if these cutbacks go

ahead. I would ask the First ahead. I would ask the First

Minister whether the Scottish Minister whether the Scottish

Minister whether the Scottish government plans to implement new

government plans to implement new government plans to implement new

men -- measures to tackle child men -- measures to tackle child

men -- measures to tackle child poverty? According to the latest

poverty? According to the latest poverty? According to the latest

statistics, child poverty is at its statistics, child poverty is at its

statistics, child poverty is at its lowest level since devolution. I am

lowest level since devolution. I am lowest level since devolution. I am

sure there will be general sure there will be general

sure there will be general agreement that that figure is still

agreement that that figure is still agreement that that figure is still

agreement that that figure is still too high and we are committed to

too high and we are committed to tackling poverty through

tackling poverty through intervention and early recognition.

intervention and early recognition. intervention and early recognition.

intervention and early recognition. Can I sent the First Minister for

Can I sent the First Minister for Can I sent the First Minister for

his reply? Earlier this week a his reply? Earlier this week a

his reply? Earlier this week a professor told members of the

professor told members of the professor told members of the

health committee that equality is a health committee that equality is a

health committee that equality is a health committee that equality is a

human right and that they hold all human right and that they hold all

human right and that they hold all human right and that they hold all

of us to shout about it all the of us to shout about it all the

of us to shout about it all the time to find solutions. She argues

time to find solutions. She argues time to find solutions. She argues

many different solutions exist at many different solutions exist at

many different solutions exist at many different solutions exist at

every level him. If a doctor is every level him. If a doctor is

every level him. If a doctor is quoted as saying the evidence is

quoted as saying the evidence is quoted as saying the evidence is

damning, tackling child poverty has damning, tackling child poverty has

damning, tackling child poverty has ground to a halt. The projections

ground to a halt. The projections ground to a halt. The projections

ground to a halt. The projections are that poverty will worsen as we

are that poverty will worsen as we are that poverty will worsen as we

are that poverty will worsen as we reach 2020. Since we know some of

reach 2020. Since we know some of his flagship policies redistributes

his flagship policies redistributes his flagship policies redistributes

in the wrong way, will he in the wrong way, will he

in the wrong way, will he acknowledged and need to re-

acknowledged and need to re- evaluate his approach?

evaluate his approach? evaluate his approach?

Unfortunately we are not able to Unfortunately we are not able to

Unfortunately we are not able to bring you Alex Salmond's and so

bring you Alex Salmond's and so bring you Alex Salmond's and so

there, but the full material is there, but the full material is

there, but the full material is available on democracy live. And of

available on democracy live. And of available on democracy live. And of

course the statement on waiting course the statement on waiting

course the statement on waiting course the statement on waiting

times. You can also get that on the times. You can also get that on the

times. You can also get that on the democracy live website on line.

democracy live website on line. democracy live website on line.

That was the topic dominating That was the topic dominating

That was the topic dominating questions there, you heard the

questions there, you heard the questions there, you heard the

argument by Labour and the Liberal argument by Labour and the Liberal

argument by Labour and the Liberal Democrats accusing Alex Salmond of

Democrats accusing Alex Salmond of policing propaganda ahead of

policing propaganda ahead of policing propaganda ahead of

patients. He reacted strongly and patients. He reacted strongly and

patients. He reacted strongly and said it was exactly the opposite.

said it was exactly the opposite. said it was exactly the opposite.