HOLYROOD bosses have responded to criticism after requesting copies of speeches from MSPs.
The Scottish Parliament produces a record – which is not verbatim – of what has been said both in the main debating chamber and committees each day, called the Official Report.
To aid those transcribing proceedings, MSPs are contacted to provide notes and scripts of their contributions.
But criticism reported by The Sun has sparked debate, after unnamed MSPs were quoted as saying the requests, which are also made of MPs in Westminster, “preclude” proper debate.
An anonymous MSP told the paper: “Debate requires interaction that submitting speeches in advance totally precludes.
“Put it another way – we should be making speeches, not submitting essays.”
Another MSP said: “Debates are often a sham because contributions are completely scripted.
“There is an imperative for MSPs to stick to a script.
“The rigid time constraints mean we may only have a few minutes so we’re less likely to take interventions, which stifles debate.”
But others have pointed out that requests for notes are not unusual and happen in both of Scotland’s parliaments.
Former MP Paul Sweeney (above), now a Glasgow MSP, said: “Tighter time limits on debates in the Scottish Parliament are frustrating.
“They inhibit interventions, meaning debates are usually poorer quality than in the Commons, but requests for notes (if used by members) or for clarifications for accuracy are the same in both parliaments.”
Former presiding officer Tricia Marwick (below) added: “It has always been the case that MSPs provide the Official Report with speeches and notes to ensure accuracy of reporting.”
SNP MSP Elena Whitham said: “Hansard asks the same at Westminster for the official record.
“I provide my speaking notes but regularly change what I say depending on what is emerging during debate via interventions/contributions.”
Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament told The Sun: “The Official Report requests speaking notes from members to help ensure the fast and accurate production of the written record of what is said in parliamentary debates.
“Providing these notes is entirely voluntary and can assist in clarifying details, such as names or difficult-to-hear words.”
