Committee News 

Issue 104, 1^st July 2003

Environment and Rural Development Committee 
Evidence last week from all the parties concerned with the proposal of the Scottish Agricultural College to reduce the number of its campuses.  Discussion ranged over many educational and economic matters, but ultimately all those involved argued for the retention of a campus in their own geographical area.  A decision is expected in July.

European and External Relations Committee
Last week the Committee returned to the vexed issue of food supplements: the Executive responded to the previous Committee’s report pointing to the various derogations secured by the UK and insisting that non-implementation of the directive is not an option.  Labour members argued that the maximum had been done. Only Conservative, Phil Gallie, argued for defiance of EU law.

The Committee also decided to respond to Chancellor Gordon Brown’s proposals on regional policy.  The Treasury is suggesting that our response to the eastward flow of structural funds after enlargement should be to return state aids to the Member State – the Scottish local authority lobby disagrees.  Intriguingly, Phil Gallie (CON) was fulsome in his support for the Chancellor.

Health Committee
Last week the main topic was the SNP’s move not to approve the regulations implementing the Food Standards Directive, with evidence from the health food industry and Deputy Health Minister, Tom McCabe.

The campaigners argued that the directive breached their human right to health, but the Committee was more interested in the scientific evidence of the safety of taking vitamins and minerals in high doses and the commercial effect on businesses.  Shona Robison (SNP) was principally concerned to find a specifically Scottish angle, but failed to do so. When her motion not to approve the regulations went to the vote, it was defeated by Labour and Liberals members against the combined votes of the SNP, Conservatives and Jean Turner (IND).

Public Petitions Committee
The usual long list of issues last week.  Amongst new petitions, the Committee will take up independent appeals against the High Court; Historic Scotland grants; health hazards caused by seagulls; and prescription charges for asthma sufferers. The Committee will return to the issue of a single equality body.

On existing petitions, the Committee will continue with compulsory blood testing of criminal suspects, and the Skye Bridge.  The issue of nursery nurses was referred to the Education Committee.

Standards Committee
Last week saw the outcome of a complaint against Kenny MacAskill (SNP) and Tricia Marwick (SNP).  The Interim Standards Commissioner did not uphold the terms of former MSP Dorothy Grace Elder’s complaint regarding the refusal of her ex-colleagues to hand over documents produced by the researcher later sacked for allegedly passing material to the SSP.

Mr MacAskill and Ms Marwick made some rather cryptic remarks, refusing to say they were satisfied with the Committee’s process and in particular suggesting that a member or members should have declared interests. They declined, however, to elaborate.

The Committee decided to question them further, an announcement which prompted both members to accuse the Committee of being politically motivated.

Other Committee Homepages:

Audit Committee
Communities Committee
Education Committee
Enterprise & Culture Committee
Equal Opportunities Committee
Finance Committee
Justice 1 Committee
Justice 2 Committee
Local Government and Transport Committee
Procedures Committee
Subordinate Legislation Committee

 

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