QC to teach MSPs how to ask questions
John Sturrock hired to give MSPs lessons in obtaining best information
A leading advocate has been hired to teach MSPs how to ask questions.
The programme is aimed at those MSPs who find it difficult to question committee witnesses effectively. The advice will be provided by John Sturrock QC, whose company Core Solutions Ltd specialises in mediation, training and coaching. The move will cost up to £70,000 of taxpayers' money over a five year period.
Annabel Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives and a lawyer herself, said that MSPs had found it useful when an advocate was brought in once before to help them with their questioning skills.
However, Labour MSP Lord Foulkes said he viewed the courses as a total waste of money and that the questioning techniques MSPs used in committee were very different from those needed in court.
A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said the courses were about ensuring MSPs were able to get as much relevant information as possible.
Current News29.08.08 No compensation culture in UK - surveyAccident helpline reveals most Brits won't and don't make spurious claims 29.08.08 Commission plan to end inconsistent sentencingProposal imminent for creation of Sentencing Commission 29.08.08 OU course teaches more about the lawNew course aims to give people a better understanding of Scotland's legal processes 28.08.08 Auditor of Court appointedKenneth Cumming to take over from Neil Crichton at the Court of Session 28.08.08 Education advocacy services given government cashFunding for children's additional support needs advocacy 28.08.08 North move for private client specialistMark Stewart joins Aberdeen firm Stronachs as a partner 28.08.08 Database of domestic abusers neededHMIC recommends Scottish police forces adopt common practices and processes 27.08.08 Shared equity scheme details outNew supply shared equity intended to help people on low incomes get on housing ladder 27.08.08 Prison population hits record levelsMore than 8,000 people now locked up; SPS says it can contain but not provide services 26.08.08 Concerns over mortgage requirement changeSociety says revised new-build instructions to solicitors not appropriate for Scots market 26.08.08 MSP proposes equity fines for companiesOwners should be accountable for health and safety breaches, says SNP's Wilson 25.08.08 Legislation needed for land management rowHome owners should not be locked in to manintenance agreements, says MP 25.08.08 Special meeting backs Society's strategyReview group the way to keep up pressure on legal aid, solicitors agree 25.08.08 Eight Scottish law firms in UK top 100Magazine survey rates firms according to turnover for last year |