October 2009

Constituency Parliament was still in recess at the start of October so I was able to get around a number of businesses and local organisations including, Inverclyde Advocacy, AGM Interiors, BPI, the Elderly Forum, Port Glasgow Community Renewal Project, the Volunteer Centre, Hobo, the Community Development Trust and Gateside Prison. I also met with new Inverclyde apprentices at the BAE yards in Glasgow, had two meetings with the local police, spoke to T-Mobile about the merger, attended the opening of the Clyde View Business Centre and met union reps from the Navy Buildings. Westminster The most important thing I did at Westminster this month was to bring forward a 10 Minute Rule Bill to try and make the recommendations of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch mandatory. I also met with the IBM CEO to press the case of workers affected by changes to their pension scheme, spent time with Channel 4 as part of my broadcasting fellowship, gave a talk on the role of a minister and met with Customer Focus, Sky and the Federation of Small Businesses. Was lucky enough to be invited aboard the QM2 when she came to Greenock. Surgeries During October I held surgeries in Paton Street, Boglestone Community Centre, the Parliamentary Office, Inverkip, Wemyss Bay, Fancy Farm Community Hall and the Gamble Halls in Gourock.