Communities Committee
The Committee heard last week from a number of representatives who gave evidence on the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill.  Persuasive evidence was given by the majority of witnesses in support of the issue being put on a statutory footing.  Other evidence strongly suggested that it was important to strike the balance between providing healthy food and putting pupils off eating in schools. The Committee also agreed that Jamie Stone (LD) would be the new Deputy Convener.

Education Committee
The Committee considered the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2.

Equal Opportunities Committee
Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm, gave evidence on the budget process 2007/08.  Questioning centred around the equalities pilots, gender audits, smoking cessation classes etc.  The results of the pilots are not yet available, however the Minister said they will be shortly.

The Committee also took evidence for its equalities review from representatives of Reid-Howie Associated Ltd, who did some research on behalf of the Committee on equalities in Scotland since 1999.  The Committee is planning to host a conference on equalities in February next year. Interested organisations, groups and public bodies will be invited to attend.

Health Committee
Last week, the Committee continued to take evidence on the Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill.  The Committee also considered a letter from the Convener of the Procedures Committee regarding a proposed change to Standing Order 10.3.2 (the "20 day rule").  Members agreed they had no objection to the Subordinate Legislation Committee’s proposed change to the rule, provided they continue to process the great majority of instruments within 20 days.

Justice 1 Committee
The Committee considered a petition calling for an amendment to criminal procedures to ensure that, when criminal proceedings are not pursued, a full written explanation of the reasons is provided to the alleged victim of the crime.  This petition was first considered by the Committee in March 2006 and it had asked for a response from the Crown Office, this has now been received.  In light of the response from the Crown Office, the Committee closed the petition with no further action.

Members then considered a petition calling for an amendment to criminal justice legislation to require criminals to make financial reparation to the victims of their crimes.  This petition was first considered in February, when the Committee wrote to the Crown Office.  In light of the response, it would appear that there are various means by which financial reparation can be made to the victims of crime.  The Committee decided to note the petition and keep it open for the duration of the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill. It will look again at the petition following Stage 3.

The Committee also considered a draft of its report on the Scottish Criminal Records Office.

Justice 2 Committee
Justice 1 and 2 met jointly to consider The Budget.  They took evidence from the Scottish Prison Service; ACPOS and Justice Minister, Cathy Jamieson.  The main area of interest was the rebuilding of the prison at Low Moss, which is now expected to take up to four years.  The rebuild was delayed due to the Lib Dem controlled council's refusal to grant planning permission.

The Committee also discussed the financial implications of slopping out which are now expected to run to in excess of £58 million.  European legal judgment is pending.

Public Petitions Committee
Members convened at a secondary school in Springburn and heard a petition from school pupils who wanted to raise serious concerns over the health implications of the sale of cheap alcohol.  The Committee agreed with the concerns raised and has written to the Scottish Executive on the issues raised.

Other matters considered included a petition calling for a national framework of support for the carers of children and the return of a petition calling on the Executive to adopt a play strategy to ensure safe, accessible and challenging play areas.

Subordinate Legislation Committee
The Committee considered the delegated powers in the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.  This Bill covers two broad policy areas: custodial sentences and new controls on the sale of non-domestic knives and swords.  The provisions on custody follow from the Executive paper, "Release and Post Custody Management of Offenders".  There are a number of regulatory powers attached to this Bill and the Bill's content has been summarised in the Delegated Powers Memorandum.  These include: measures for the confinement, review and release of prisoners; and measures on weapons, including restrictions on sale of swords and non-domestic knives.  The Committee raised a number of issues which need clarification and it was decided to put these to the Executive in writing.

Audit Committee
Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill Committee
European and External Relations Committee
Glasgow Airport Rail Link Bill Committee
Standards Committee