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Plenary, 20 Nov 2003

Meeting date: Thursday, November 20, 2003

Official Report 819KB pdf

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Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Further to the disruption of First Minister's question time, is it in order when such incidents occur for members in the chamber to applaud and congratulate those who are causing the disruption? Is it not the case that such antics from members encourage those who seek to disrupt the democratic process? Do you now believe that it is time to take effective action against members who conduct themselves in that way?

With reference to the Scottish Socialist Party this morning, Mr McNeil heard me say firmly that I deplore any action by members of the Parliament that encourages interruptions from the public gallery.

Members will all remember that the clear dividing line on conduct in the chamber falls between disrespectful and discourteous behaviour, which earns a rebuke, and disorderly behaviour, which may produce sanctions. I cannot think of anything more disorderly than members in the chamber encouraging disorder in the public gallery. I make it clear that, on any future similar occasion, I shall not hesitate to apply the sanction—members know what that means.