Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions people have asked about the work of an MSP and the Scottish Parliament. If there is anything you would like to ask Patricia and her team, please email her at patricia.ferguson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk. We'll update this page regularly and include any questions that may be of interest.

Q What do you think have been the major achievements of the Scottish Parliament?
A Since its inception the Parliament has embarked on an ambitious legislative programme covering the issues that matter to the people of Scotland, and I would hope that everyone has benefited in some way from the work of the Parliament since 1999. For example, older peopleare benefiting from the introduction of freenational bus travel, the central heating programme and the availability of free personal care, whilst the provision of a nursery place for every three and four year old is having a positive impact on people with young children.

The Housing Bill introduced important provisions that made possible the transfer of Glasgow's council housing stock to the Glasgow Housing Association. I believe that this measure is helping to deliver a massive improvement in the standard and quality of life for people throughout Maryhill, delivering warm and affordable social rented housing for those who wish it.

During the second session of the Parliament a number of very important issues were addressed. The passing of the Anti-social Behaviour Bill introduced important measures to help tackle nuisance crime in our communities. I am working hard with the local communities and the Police to make sure these measures are effective.

Other measures such as the introduction of free eye and dental checks for all, a ban on smoking in public places and the reform of our licensing laws will also have a positive impact on the lives of the people I represent.

Q What issues have you raised in Parliament?
A I tend to concentrate on issues which affect people in Maryhill, so I have spoken about housing, the regeneration of Glasgow, transport, the future of Govan shipyard and drugs. I have also tabled a number of questions on health & dental health, social inclusion, credit unions, breakfast clubs, homelessness, travelling people, the national lottery, grant aid for home owners, the teaching of languages in primary schools, employment and housing.

Since the start of the third session there have been a number of local issues which have dominated my work in Parliament. I have asked aseries of questions of the Scottish Executive regarding local bus services; fire hydrant vandalism; investment in education; houses in multiple occupancy and landlord registration.

In addition, I have tabled a motion calling for urgent steps to be taken towards the re-regulation of bus services. I am delighted that this received cross party support, but extremely disappointed that no SNP members gave their support and that subsequently the SNP Transport Minister ruled out considering the regulation of buses. I will cotinue to campaign to find a solution to make sure that all communities benefit from regular and reliable bus services.

In October 2007 I launched a consultation on a proposal to legislate for the regulation of property factors in Scotland, and to introduce an accessible form of mediation to help owners resolve problems with their factor.  The consultation findings demonstrated overwhelming support for my proposal and on the 1st June 2010 I introduced the Property Factors (Scotland) Bill to Parliament. 

Q In what ways is the Scottish Parliament different from Westminster?
A As well as being much closer to us, the Scottish Parliament works hard at being accessible to the people it represents. Not only have Committees of the Parliament met throughout Scotland but also the Parliament itself has met in Glasgow and Aberdeen. The role of the Committees is an important one and they take evidence and information from a wide range of public bodies and organisations in order to be fully informed of the issues surrounding each Bill.

Q How do you fit in being in Edinburgh and keeping in touch with your constituents?
A I am able to spend every Monday and Friday in the Constituency and although I am in Edinburgh the rest of the week I will always try, whenever possible, to attend meetings of local groups and organisations in the evenings. I hold surgeries in every part of the Constituency and often team up with the local councillors to hold informal meetings with constituents in their areas. Add to that several hundred telephone and written enquiries every month and I think it is fair to say that I manage to stay in touch and keep up to date with local issues.

Q Is it possible to see the Parliament in action?
A Yes. It is possible to obtain a ticket for the visitors' gallery in the Parliament and I have enjoyed welcoming a number of visitors from the Constituency. If you are planning to be in Edinburgh and would like to visit the Parliament please contact my Constituency Office. The Parliament has an excellent Education Centre which caters for school parties. Again, a number of local schools have taken advantage of this facility and have enjoyed seeing the Parliament in action.