Committee News
Issue 8, 26th September 2000
Education, Culture & Sport
A significant week for Education, Culture and Sport as it begins taking evidence for its inquiry into the school exam results fiasco. First up is the Scottish Executive Education Department, who gave evidence to Enterprise and Lifelong Learning last week. Also giving evidence will be key witnesses from the SQA, including Ron Tuck.
Equal Opportunities
This week the Committee returns to the issue of single sex schools (particularly Notre Dame, an issue which is being pursued by Tommy Sheridan (SSP)). Committee members will also consider the appointment of an advisor for their inquiry into travelling people and public sector policies. The Committee also continues to consider how it can most effectively scrutinise legislation.
European Affairs
Last week the Committee took evidence from several football-related witnesses for its inquiry into football transfer fees and the proposals of the European Commission.
The Committee will bring forward a draft report for its next meeting and, in addition to reporting to the Scottish Parliament, will send it to the European Commission, Scottish MEPs, the UK Government and the FIFA / UEFA Task Force.
Local Government
The Committee meets in private this week to discuss the terms of reference for its inquiry into local government finance. This inquiry will be a major undertaking for the committee and is expected to last well into 2001.
Social Inclusion, Housing & the Voluntary Sector
Committee members continue taking evidence on Family Homes and Homelessness, Mortgage Rights and the Executive’s Housing Bill proposals. Evidence comes this week from COSLA and Scottish Homes.
Standards Committee
On Tuesday morning the Standards Committee will consider papers on lobbying and cross-party groups. Applications from cross-party groups on CND and Autistic Spectrum Disorder will be considered. The Committee will also be drafting a parliamentary motion on the Register of Staff Interests. In March, the Committee brought the Parliament a debate about the idea of such a register; their plans have now been refined and their recommendations are made in the Committee’s third report published in June this year.
Subordinate legislation
Last week the Committee looked at the Prohibition of Fishing with Multiple Trawls (Scotland) Order 2000 and took evidence on the instrument from Scottish Executive officials from the Rural Affairs Department.
This morning the Committee will consider instruments on Food Irradiation and the Rateable Values of Train Operating Companies.
Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
Last week the Committee began taking evidence on its inquiry into governance of the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The Committee heard from Scottish Executive officials from the Enterprise & Lifelong Learning department.
This afternoon the Committee will be hearing more evidence regarding liaison meetings between the Executive and the SQA from members of the SQA board; former SQA chief executive, Ron Tuck; and Scottish Executive officials
Rural Affairs
Last week the Committee voted by 6 votes to 5 to continue with Stage 1 of the Protection of Wild Mammals Bill. The alternative proposal, to move straight to a Stage 1 debate in the chamber without considering oral evidence, was supported by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat members of the Committee.
The Committee meets today to consider the 2001/2002 Budget. They will then hear further details of the Executive’s consultations on the Proposed Salmon Conservation Bill and make proposals for the Bill at Stage 1.
The Committee will also pick up the postponed discussion on the controversial petition 96 on sea cage fish farming.
Health and Community Care
Last week the Committee considered a number of petitions and also heard from members on progress on the Community Care Inquiry.
On Wednesday, the Committee will review its procedures for dealing with business and its forward workplan. The Committee will also consider the Scottish Executive’s response to the Arbuthnott Report, and a report from Dr Richard Simpson on influenza vaccination.
Justice and Home Affairs
Last week the committee took evidence on the Protection of Wild Mammals Bill.
The Committee also began Stage 2 consideration of the Abolition of Poindings & Warrant Sales Bill. Members remain keen to ensure that the commencement date of the Bill will mark a complete ending of warrant sales.
On Wednesday morning the Committee will take evidence from the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General on the Crown Office’s recent performance and future plans.
The Committee will then take more evidence on the Protection of Wild Mammals Bill from the Scottish Countryside Alliance.
Maureen MacMillan will report on her recent meetings with the Minster for Justice and the Deputy Minister for Communities about the Committee’s forthcoming Bill on Domestic Violence.
Transport and the Environment
Last week the Committee took evidence on Genetically Modified Organisms from environmental groups. The Committee’s discussion on the controversial PE96 on the environmental impact of fish farms was postponed until the next meeting.
The committee also discussed a paper on a proposed new procedure for handling public petitions. The committee has a high number of petitions referred to it and agreed to ask the Procedures Committee to review the Standing Orders governing the lodging, referral and consideration of petitions, including the role of the Public Petitions Committee. The Committee also made plans for an additional meeting should be arranged specifically for the purpose of considering outstanding petitions.
On Wednesday the Committee will take further evidence on its inquiry into genetically modified organisms, and witnesses include the Transport and Environment Minster.
Finance
Last week the Committee agreed to suspend its inquiry into European Structural Funds. The Committee meets again on 3 October.
Audit
At last week’s meeting the Committee considered the Auditor General of Scotland’s report into the Holyrood Building project. This week the Committee will take evidence from the Auditor General and the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Executive.
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Articles ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ Open Government ] [ Scottish Parliament ]