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End-of-life bill decision 'wrong' End-of-life bill decision 'wrong'
(11 minutes later)
The Scottish government has branded a decision to set up a special Holyrood committee to look at proposals to legalise assisted suicide as "wrong".The Scottish government has branded a decision to set up a special Holyrood committee to look at proposals to legalise assisted suicide as "wrong".
Independent MSP Margo MacDonald brought forward a bill which would allow terminally ill people to seek help to die at a time of their choosing.Independent MSP Margo MacDonald brought forward a bill which would allow terminally ill people to seek help to die at a time of their choosing.
The bill was expected to have been considered by the health committee.The bill was expected to have been considered by the health committee.
But Holyrood's business bureau decided a separate committee should look at the End-of-Life Assistance Bill.But Holyrood's business bureau decided a separate committee should look at the End-of-Life Assistance Bill.
A spokesman for Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford said: "The decision was the wrong decision. It sets an unfortunate precedent. It is understood the bureau made its decision by voting 4-3 against the wishes of Parliament Minister Bruce Crawford.
"The decision was the wrong decision, said a spokesman for Mr Crawford, adding: "It sets an unfortunate precedent.
"This bill deal with matters of conscience and should be dealt with by the normal subject committee.""This bill deal with matters of conscience and should be dealt with by the normal subject committee."
Ms MacDonald, who has Parkinson's disease, said she was hopeful of gaining enough support for the bill.Ms MacDonald, who has Parkinson's disease, said she was hopeful of gaining enough support for the bill.
MSPs are expected to vote on it for the first time in the autumn, with the legislation decided in a "free vote", rather than along party lines.MSPs are expected to vote on it for the first time in the autumn, with the legislation decided in a "free vote", rather than along party lines.