Good and Bad Governments

On Wednesday there was heated debate in the Scottish Parliament when Labour and the Greens united in an attempt to stop the parliament functioning on 30 November. Labour and the Greens wanted a gesture of 'solidarity' with the reported two million workers who are gearing up up for the biggest day of industrial unrest since the 1979 Winter of Discontent, in protest at the UK Government's plans to change pension provisions.

However, their proposal was defeated as the Government motion, scheduling a debate on public pensions for 30 November, was carried by 83 votes to 36 with one abstention.

Bruce Crawford, the parliamentary business manager, insisted MSPs should come to work as usual and debate the issues causing the strikes. I concur with his statement:

''We recognise that this is an extremely challenging time for the public sector workers. We have sympathy with the substance of the concerns of the public sector workers and join with them in urging the UK Government to think again.''

He said debating public sector pensions on November 30 was ''the perfect opportunity to shine the light on the failings'' of the pensions policy.

''Let me conclude by saying that the purpose of this parliament is to provide the forum and the focus for debate on issues that matter to the people of Scotland."

The Presiding Officer said the parliament would function as normal, although Labour MSPs have said they will not attend Holyrood on the day of the strike. Good government, although it would be even better if Labour MSPs lost a day's pay for refusing to do their duty and present themselves in parliament to make their case.

Maybe a few Labour MSPs are planning a trip to the European Parliament which has a subsidy scheme to pay the travel expenses of visitors to the parliament. Seriously, this parliament has given payments of €55,236, in cash, to four cases which were audited.  According to the auditors, 78% of the total payments made to groups of visitors in 2010 were made in cash. Individuals received a meal subsidy of €35 and a 'small' travel subsidy - an example being €90 for a trip from London to Brussels.

The description bad is too generous for the EP.

Should you wish a wee trip to Brussels, at other taxpayer's expense, contact your MEP.

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Measuring The Head May Become A Thing Of The Past For Some

Old Scottish Bowlers from the 1880s

Seen here measuring the head  ie after all bowls have

been delivered measuring to determine which bowl is

nearest the jack.

Over the years I've attended various events at local bowling clubs but I've never quite managed to play the game because, much to the relief of those who know how to get anywhere near the wee while ball, the scheduled times for beginner groups has always coincided with my voluntary work.

Wrongly I assumed bowling clubs were privately owned until I learned the council still manages and maintains seven clubs in central Fife.  Council officials are now insisting that these clubs must pay for maintenance of their greens and pavilions (which are council owned buildings), electricity and water, insurance, machinery and equipment.

Colin Morrison, the president of one of the clubs affected said: "The parks and countryside department have been talking to us over the past three years but it came as a surprise to be told, 'Take over the club or close'.  He complained the membership was too old to push a mower/scarifier or aerator around a green and other sports were sponsored by the council; naming swimmers who are subsidised to the amount of £3.59 per visit.

The most heavily subsidised bowling club is in an MP's constituency. Each member of Galltown in Kirkcaldy is said to be subsidised to the tune of £540 annually.  Given that bowling greens are closed for six months of the year that's a hefty subsidy.  I wonder if they've called on Gordon Brown for assistance.

It would appear that the local authority is keen to offer assistance and according to the service manager for parks and countryside there are 'a lot of options', so why do I get the feeling that Mr Morrison is highlighting this now for purely political reasons, after admitting he'd been in talks about it for three years.

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