Gil chairs opening session of economy committee as most senior member

JUNE 16, 2016 - VITAL work on Scotland's economy is set to be scrutinised by Clydebank and Milngavie's MSP.
On Tuesday, June 14, Gil Paterson chaired the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee at the Scottish Parliament to elect its convener and deputy convener.
As the oldest member of the body (73) he took up the task of starting up the committee for the new session of parliament.
The MSP welcomed being selected for the committee on June 8 as he has a background in business, having run a garage company since 1973. 
Mr Paterson said: "I'm looking forward getting started properly because the committee is a vital organ in scrutinising the Scottish economy. 
"In my surgeries, jobs and housing are two of the main issues people bring to me. Through the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee I'll be at the forefront of looking at these issues and finding out how we can tackle them.
"The main role of the committee is to scrutinise the government's performance, and although it has no ability to deliver itself, it certainly is very influential and has the prospect of bringing forward ideas both in parliament and wider Scotland."
The Scottish Parliament voted through the new committees earlier this month.
After three weeks of negotiations to decide the new structure, the system has been tweaked by new presiding officer, Ken Macintosh, so there are fewer committees. Some will have new powers.
Last session, Mr Paterson was a member of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, Health and Sport Committee and the Justice Committee. 
The SNP MSP added: "The Scottish economy is an area I'm really, really interested in, and for that reason, I think it's a good move for me. It represents the area my constituents are concerned of and as someone with a long background in business, it's going to make me a good fit."