NEW Fatal Accident Inquiry legislation needs to be introduced as soon as possible, according to a Glasgow MSP.

Patricia Ferguson, Maryhill and Springburn Labour MSP, inset, called on the Scottish Government to implement recommendations of an inquiry into FAIs by Lord Cullen in 2009.

She paid tribute in the Scottish Parliament to the nine victims of the ICL Stockline disaster in Maryhill in 2004 and said there was a debt owed to the families of those who died.

Ms Ferguson asked the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill when the recommendations would be implemented.

Mr MacAskill said it would take place within the next two years.

He said: "The Government is committed to bringing forward a bill to implement the recommendations of Lord Cullen's 2009 review within the lifetime of this parliament."

He said some, which do need legislation, have already been implemented including the establishment of a Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit.

Ms Ferguson raised the anniversary of the Maryhill last which takes place on Sunday.

She said: "The families of those who lost their lives in the Stockline explosion are preparing to commemorate the tenth anniversary of that disaster. Does the cabinet secretary not think that we owe it to families bereaved by workplace accidents to have in place the best possible fatal accident inquiries system?"

Mr MacAskill, said it would happen a soon as it was possible to do so.

He said: "I would pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Stockline tragedy and pay tribute to all those who have tried to work out what happened so that we learn lessons.

"We are intent on taking action. It was for that reason that we instructed Lord Cullen. We do have challenges within the parliamentary timetable but we are committed to acting as expeditiously as possible."