Communities Committee
The Committee had an interesting evidence session with Deputy Communities Minister, Johann Lamont, on the Executive's Draft Scottish Planning Policy on Green Belts.  Particular reference was made to boundaries and "buffer" zones, which may allow leeway where development is concerned.

Members also took Stage 1 evidence on the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill from academics at Herriot Watt and Dundee Universities, both of whom gave evidence in support of the plans.

Education Committee
Last week the Committee continued taking evidence for its early years inquiry.  It heard from Learning and Teaching Scotland; HM Inspectorate of Education; the Educational Institute of Scotland; and the Scottish Social Services Council.  Fiona Hyslop (SNP) and Rosemary Byrne (SSP) were particularly exercised about the removal of teachers from nurseries in Glasgow and Ms Hyslop called upon the Committee to ask Glasgow City Council to give evidence on this issue.  It was agreed that the Convenor should write to Glasgow City Council requesting its attendance at the Committee.

Enterprise & Culture Committee
The Committee spent last week's meeting taking an initial look at the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill.  A roundtable discussion included representatives from money advice services, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, insolvency practitioners and legal companies.  The discussion highlighted the practical implications of the easy availability of credit and the multiple debts which can result.  Notably, there were opposing views on whether Scotland should follow the example of England and Wales and reduce the term of bankruptcy from 3 years to 1 year.

European and External Relations Committee
Following the Committee's decision to keep a watching brief on the European Commission’s Work Programme 2006, last week's meeting saw consideration of an updated paper thereon.  A petition calling for the Scottish Parliament to use its influence to return control over its fishing industry to Scotland was also considered following it’s referral from the Public Petitions Committee.

The Convener then updated the Committee on the suggested areas for focus during the Committee’s forthcoming visit to Brussels which were:

• Committee of the Regions’ subsidiary test project;
• Letter and call for evidence from the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union;
• Response from the Scottish Executive regarding the establishment of a European Small Claims procedure;
• Letter from the Scottish Executive regarding the costs and benefits of the G8 Summit to Scotland;
• Letter from the European Commission regarding its complaints procedure relating to earlier correspondence with the Executive on a contract bid by Ferguson shipbuilders;
• Public address in the Parliament by the Austrian Ambassador, Her Excellency Dr. Gabriele Matznerl; and
• Letter from the Scottish Executive regarding energy issues.

Health Committee
Stage 2 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill was completed.

Justice 2 Committee
Evidence taking on the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill continued with a presentation by Professor George Irving on "Registering the Risk" Sex Offenders Scheme.  This was followed by evidence on violence and knife crime from Michael Sheridan, of the Southern General Hospital Glasgow and Dr Jean Moller, of the Royal Alexandria Hospital Paisley, both of whom gave harrowing accounts of their experiences of the results of knife crime.

Public Petitions Committee
Last week's meeting heard a number of new petitions, including one from the Literature Forum for Scotland who want an urgent review of the study of Scottish history, literature and languages. The petitioners believe that Scottish citizens are not accessing the opportunities required to understand key aspects of their own society and culture. The Committee has agreed to write to, amongst others, Learning & Teaching Scotland, HMIE and the EIS for their comments.

Another petition was on behalf of Criagmillar Community Council on the regeneration of the area.  This petition is particularly controversial because, whilst the petitioners support regeneration, they are not happy with the regeneration of this specific area.  Concerns were highlighted about the decanting of existing residents outwith the area with no guarantees of returning.  The Committee has also received a number of letters from other groups in the area who wish to disassociate themselves from the views of the petitioners and there is a concern that the Community Council's motives are political.  The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum, Communities Scotland and the Scottish Executive.

Standards Committee
Last week’s meeting saw an application for the recognition of a Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Electro-Magnetic Radiation and Health considered and agreed.  The Committee also heard from the Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Dr James Dyer OBE, on the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill and agreed to note the Commissioner’s comments and to publish on the Parliament’s website the Commissioner’s letter to the Convener and associated note from the clerks.  The Committee also agreed to delegate to the Convener the authority to finalise a number of technical amendments to be lodged on behalf of the Committee during Stage 2 of the Bill.

Subordinate Legislation Committee
The Committee returned to an item from the last meeting regarding clarification from the Executive on an issue raised surrounding the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill.  The issue in question was use of the emergency 28-day procedure, the Executive had responded to the Committee request, but the Committee felt that further clarification was needed in any order of why the procedure was being used.