Communities Committee
Last week's meeting opened with evidence from Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm and Scottish Executive representatives on the budget process.  Specific reference was made to concerns over the provision of the central heating and warm deal programmes.  Issues discussed also included housing supply and homelessness. 

Subordinate legislation relating to a Compulsory Purchase Order from East Dunbartonshire Council was also considered.  The Committee agreed to make no recommendation in relation to the order.

Education Committee
The Committee took evidence from Education Minister, Peter Peacock and his deputy, Robert Brown, on the Executive’s draft budget.

Health Committee
The Committee took evidence on the Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill from Sir John Arbuthnott, Chair of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde; Professor William Stevely, Chair of NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Robert Anderson, Interim Chair of Lothian NHS Board; Richard Norris, Director of the Scottish Health Council; Pat Watters, President of CoSLA; and Jane Kennedy, Team Leader - Health & Social Care at CoSLA.

The Committee then took evidence on the budget 2007-08 from Health and Community Care Minister, Andy Kerr; Chief Executive of NHS Scotland, Dr Kevin Woods; and Paul Gray, of the Scottish Executive's Health Department.  During the discussion, the Minister agreed to provide the Committee with: figures for the rate of reduction of coronary heart disease in the most affluent areas of Scotland; details of the increase in the number of theatre sessions and time spent in theatre in Scottish hospitals; figures for NHS primary and secondary care expenditure on mental health; and figures for the expenditure on mental health by each local authority in Scotland.

The Committee also agreed to recommend to Parliament that the principles of the Provision of Rail Passenger Services (Scotland) Bill are agreed.

Standards Committee
Last week's meeting, I am pleased to report, approved my application to establish a Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Young People in Scotland Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).  The Committee also considered a paper on determinations required under the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Act 2006.  A draft Statement of Interests was agreed, as was a consultation on the draft Statement with all Members.

Subordinate Legislation Committee
The Committee discussed at some length the delegated powers in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill.  This Bill substantially implements the proposals set out in the Scottish Executive's consultation paper, "Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Scottish Vetting and Barring Scheme", which was published in February this year.  The Bill makes provision for sharing information for child protection purposes and to amend the definition of school care accommodation services.  The Bill relies on amendments being made under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 so that questions exempted under the Act may be asked in respect of regulated work.  There will be full consultation as appropriate on this and other significant secondary legislation in relation to this Bill.