Bob Doris Glasgow SNP list MSP has welcomed an initiative which will allow members of the public to contribute to the deliberations of a Parliamentary Committee by text.  The Local Government and Communities Committee have launched the unique scheme and are inviting people to text in their questions which will be put to witnesses as part of an energy and fuel session.  The first meeting will be on 3rd October.

Mr Doris said: "This is a great idea and allows the public to contribute straight to the heart of democracy.

"Tomorrow the committee will be questioning witnesses from Energy Watch and Scottish Gas and we'll be hearing evidence on the Governments Central heating Programme, support grants and the Warm Deal.

"Fuel poverty is a National shame and I'd expect a few texts on this.

"Next week a pilot scheme will be launched allowing the public to text questions straight to the Scottish Parliaments Public Information Service.

"All you have to do is text 80011, starting the message with SP and include your name and where you are from.

"Hopefully we'll get a good response and the public will feel they have contributed directly."