As an MP who shares the aims of the Government in its international carbon reduction efforts Jim was keen to support the recent pronouncements at the G8 conference in Germany. However, he was concerned about the long term application of the scheme and the amount of further progress still needed. (Mr Miliband had just returned from Tony Blair’s final cabinet meeting and was being slightly sarcastic)

The Government finally announced the result of the review of the Remploy factory network. Jim was pleased that, as he had argued for, the Dundee factory was saved. However, he still had concerns about Remploy workers from other factories.

The Scottish Parliamentary elections were a bit of a mess as hundreds of thousands of spoilt ballots left many people disenfranchised. Here Jim quizzes the Parliamentary representative of the Electoral Commission who are carrying out the review.

Job losses in the manufacturing industry in Dundee have severely dented the economy of the city. Here Jim wants a debate to ensure that something is done to limit future job losses.

Jim has long been concerned that there is the possibility for some employers to evade their responsibilities in terms of insurance and then not pay up upon accidents in the industry. Here, Jim raises the issue again and later in his contribution notes the importance of Trade Unions in helping ensure good health and safety on building sites.