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Scrutinising European Laws

Through the Information Committee I was delegated to an ongoing project to develop more even access to computer technology across Europe, both for government and for the wider population. Concern is being expressed at the potential growth of " the Digital Divide" as appears to have developed in the USA, with increased opportunity and wealth going to those who are "information rich" with ICT skills and the increased impoverishment of those who miss opportunities to gain ICT skills. I contributed to the European (EPRI) debates which created the framework for the agreement reached at the Barcelona European Summit in 2000 on how to tackle this problem.

On the Select Committee for the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration from 1994-97(the OMBUDSMAN) I tried to increase openness and high standards in your government services by quizzing the officials of Social Security, Employment, Health, the C.S.A., Tax & Prisons, etc. I continue to pursue the same issues with our government.

From January 1996, up to the May 1997 Election as co-ordinator of Labour's Crime and Drugs Campaign, I discussed these serious problems with every police force in Scotland and many specialist groups. Many crime issues are devolved but the Anti - Drugs campaign is UK wide. I pursue that and general crime issues both through the UK Home Office back - bench Labour committee and working with Cathy Peattie MSP for Falkirk East.

Scottish Politics and Economy

The Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party Group, of which I have been Vice-Chair and Chair in the past, keeps me in regular contact with the new Scotland Office ministers to discuss the progress being made by government.

I Chaired the Scottish Industry and Economy Sub - committee. We looked at the Computer, Energy and the Petro-Chemical Industries in Scotland between 1995 and 1997.

The PETRO-CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES are the heart of Falkirk East and our local economy. I chaired the Scottish Labour MPs' Industry & Economy Committee and looked at the Energy and Petro-Chemical Industries in Scotland. I am in contact with the U.K. Chemical Industries through the Parliamentary Group for the Chemical Industries of which I am Secretary and a past Chairman. I am also Secretary of the parliamentary group for the British Offshore Oil & Gas Industry.

From 1995 until May 1997 I led a Scottish Task Force on Skills and Training and Youth and Student Policy for Labour. Working with young people and training providers.

Trade Unions

Trade Unions are vital to the Labour Movement. The ability to combine together in Trade Unions is a basic right in a free society. I am a member of the Trade Union Group of MP's who take a deeper interest in making certain the matters that are important to those employees who are trade unionists are raised in parliament.

I work very closely with the T&GWU, (of which I am a member) with AMICUS and the GMB in fighting to retain employment and employee rights in the local Chemical Industry. As the Secretary of the Communication Workers Union Group of MP's I work on a very varied range of issues affecting the Postal and Telecommunication industries.

The Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party Group, of which I have been Vice-Chair and Chair in the past, keeps me in regular contact with the new Scotland Office ministers to discuss the progress being made by government.

I Chaired the Scottish Industry and Economy Sub - committee. We looked at the Computer, Energy and the Petro-Chemical Industries in Scotland between 1995 and 1997.

The PETRO-CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES are the heart of Falkirk East and our local economy. I chaired the Scottish Labour MPs' Industry & Economy Committee and looked at the Energy and Petro-Chemical Industries in Scotland. I am in contact with the U.K. Chemical Industries through the Parliamentary Group for the Chemical Industries of which I am Secretary and a past Chairman. I am also Secretary of the parliamentary group for the British Offshore Oil & Gas Industry.

From 1995 until May 1997 I led a Scottish Task Force on Skills and Training and Youth and Student Policy for Labour. Working with young people and training providers.

Trade Unions

Trade Unions are vital to the Labour Movement. The ability to combine together in Trade Unions is a basic right in a free society. I am a member of the Trade Union Group of MP's who take a deeper interest in making certain the matters that are important to those employees who are trade unionists are raised in parliament.

I work very closely with the T&GWU, (of which I am a member) with AMICUS and the GMB in fighting to retain employment and employee rights in the local Chemical Industry. As the Secretary of the Communication Workers Union Group of MP's I work on a very varied range of issues affecting the Postal and Telecommunication industries.

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