Well, that was a surprise. Not just that the MSA issued a Press Release
after last Friday's meeting (see previous Post), but the fact that they did it
so quickly. Which is a pity as they missed the deadline for this week's
'Motorsport News' - in which a certain columnist will be having his say -
again!
Whatever,
the news was welcome. Although light on detail and timescale we have learned
two very important facts - progress is being made and motor sport is still very
much on the Scottish Government's radar.
It has
been suggested at rallies which I attend and on these social media pages that I
should be part of the process. I disagree. There are better and brighter brains
than mine working on it. Besides if I was part
of 'the system' I wouldn't be allowed to report on it. When I have
attended such meetings in the past it has been made perfectly clear that it is
only on the basis that I agree to certain conditions. I then have to choose
whether I accept or decline the invitation.
So much
for open Government, eh? What we all have to remember is that this is not a grave
matter of state bound by the laws of the Government's Official Secrets Act. In
the great scheme of things, this is simply a minor sporting matter, albeit of
great interest to thousands of folk who work hard, pay their taxes and wish to pursue
their leisure and sporting pursuits at weekends.
Hopefully
yesterday's Statement will mark a more
positive and open approach to the process and keep us informed. To say nothing simply
heightens suspicions and fears, and encourages the spread of mis-information.
Even if there is nothing to report, a periodic Statement will provide
reassurance, while if there is a problem, we will be better prepared to
understand and be patient.
One of
the reasons for the longer than anticipated process was the fact that early on
it was decided not to modify the existing Scottish legislation or adopt the new
England/Wales legislation, but for the Scots to write their own new Bill, incorporating
"the best bits" from Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the latest England/Wales
legislation.
The 'politicians'
shot themselves in the foot when they initially announced that new legislation
would be created and introduced, but then declined to issue any progress
reports. If we had been told at the time then expectations would have been more
realistic.
Anyway,
I would like to think that the draft of this new Bill was being presented to
the meeting delegates on Friday. That of course is pure conjecture on my part
because I don't know anything. However, once that has been accepted and
approved then the next step is the 12 week public consultation process.
Thereafter,
if standard procedures are being followed and this pre-legislative Consultation
process is complete, the Bill will have to pass three more parliamentary stages
before Royal Assent can be granted. In
other words, we are still going to have to be patient, very patient.
On that basis, we need to be kept informed and if yesterday's MSA
Statement is an indication of their future intent then it should be welcomed.
In the
meantime, fingers crossed, eh?
