Parliament first as committee tweets out report

07.03.2012

The Health and Sport Committee made Twitter history today as the first Scottish Parliament Committee to use its own twitter account @SP_HealthSport to alert followers to the Stage 1 report on the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill.

The committee will use Twitter to improve communication with the public, the media and the hundreds of stakeholders and organisations who engage with the committee on a daily basis. Twitter will allow the committee to instantly update followers on committee decisions, inquiries, reports and news releases, as well as sharing feedback on all of the above.

Committee Convener Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“We are delighted the Health and Sport Committee has taken the parliamentary lead in using Twitter to engage with people who take an active interest in the committee’s work. Whether it is inviting in a witness, conducting a fact-finding visit or responding to feedback on a new report, we will ensure everyone is kept up-to-date with all our activities and decisions.”

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said:

“As someone who is a keen user of social media I am pleased the committee is joining the millions of Twitter users worldwide to engage with everyone who has an interest in our work within health and sport.”

Background

The Health and Sport Committee tweeted out its report and news release  on the publication of the Stage 1 report on the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill published today.

A reduction in harmful drinkers’ consumption and the beneficial impact on public health, crime, public services, productivity and the economy were all cited by supporters of the Bill.

While a majority of the committee believe the evidence received was compelling and overwhelming, some members remain sceptical about the efficacy of minimum pricing and believe a universal approach may penalise moderate drinkers and those in lower income groups.