Committee News
Issue 16, 5th December 2000
In last week’s meeting, the committee continued its inquiry into the New Scottish Parliament Building and agreed its draft report subject to specific amendments. The report is due to be published today.
Education, Culture & Sport Committee
The committee is expected to produce its report into SQA this week. Both the Education and Enterprise committees’ reports into the SQA will be debated by the full Parliament next Wednesday morning.
Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee
Last week brought the publication of the Committee’s report into the governance of the SQA and thus there was no committee meeting.
This week the Committee will meet on Wednesday and will work on their inquiry into the impact of the New Economy. There will also be scrutiny of documents referred to the Enterprise Committee by the European Committee, about social policy and employment policy.
In private, the Committee will hear reports from the Committee’s reporters on the Rural Fuel Price Differential Inquiry, following meetings with fuel companies.
The committee meets this week to take further evidence on the Executive’s proposals for a housing bill from Scottish Disability Housing Network. It will also take evidence from Capability Scotland on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and their survey on the progress of the providers of goods and services on adjustments to accommodate disabled people.
There will also be a report from Elaine Smith (LAB), gender reporter to the committee, on her recent meeting with June Strachan of the Scottish Rape Crisis Network to discuss issues arising from the Executive’s consultation ‘Redressing the Balance: cross examination in rape and sexual offences trials.’
Last week saw discussion of two issues of interest: first, Dennis Canavan (IND) reported on the European Charter of Fundamental Rights; and secondly, the Committee agreed the terms of reference for their inquiry into reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Unfortunately for our readers, both discussions were in private.
In last week’s meeting the Committee considered issues around the 2001/02 Budget Process in private, and considered the structure and witnesses for their forthcoming Inquiry into Resource Accounting and Budgeting.
The Committee meets today and will consider a proposed contingent liability between Scottish Ministers and Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Limited, with evidence from Transport officials from the Scottish Executive. There will also be private scrutiny of the committee’s report on the Budget Process.
Justice & Home Affairs Committee
Last week Deputy Minister for Justice, Iain Gray, attended the Committee to formally move the transfer of three functions in reserved areas to Scottish ministers. These are:
A level of confusion continued over the scrutiny of European documents, where the Committee is uncertain of the extent of its role and powers. It was agreed, in the case of documents that may necessitate changes to Scots law, to seek further advice.
This week the main item is the taking of evidence on self-regulation by the police. But there’s also subordinate legislation on divorce regulations which will give effect to the UK policy of splitting SERPS between former partners on retirement. However, the Executive may have made procedural and drafting errors which lead the clerk to recommend sending a letter of concern.
The committee met last week to discuss the Kerley report, but events were dramatically overturned by the stormy exit of Kenny Gibson (SNP). Mr Gibson attempted to move an emergency motion to ‘condemn the sneaky and underhand way in which the announcement (on the date of future local government elections) was made’. This did not adhere to the agenda. Convenor, Trish Godman (LAB), promised that the motion could be included on the agenda at the next meeting. She also made it clear that the agenda for the present meeting must be adhered to. Mr Gibson then left the meeting.
The committee continued, considering a briefing paper on structuring their response to Kerley. The committee also agreed to further pursue the matter of a petition requesting that a working group be established to consider the position of allotments in Scots law.
Last week the committee agreed to approve a motion implementing higher standards for the keeping of mink in Scotland, although there is only one mink in captivity in Scotland. The Committee also took further evidence on the Protection of Wild Mammals Bill, and began to consider their conclusions. The Committee has agreed to watch a series of videos on fox hunting and these will be screened on today.
The Committee will meet today to discuss the findings of the reporters visit to the Creamery on Islay, and the findings of the draft report of the Committee’s inquiry into the impact of changing employment patterns (ICEP).
Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee
No minutes or record have yet been produced for last week’s meeting, and no papers have been produced for this week, but the key issues are as follows.
Last week evidence was taken from women’s organisations on the housing bill; this week evidence comes from agencies working with homeless people. Also this week, the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations will give evidence on the review of charity law.
Subordinate Legislation Committee
Last week’s agenda included:
Amongst the issues this week is the Executive undertaking to be given to Northern Isles Ferries.
Transport and the Environment Committee
This week the Committee meets on Wednesday morning and has a bumper session considering 10 public petitions, on, amongst other things, birds of prey, aggregates tax and planning. There will also be private consideration of a draft report on genetically modified organisms.
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