Minutes: 02 December 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6 and 7 in private.

2. Instrument for approval by resolution:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Representation of the People Act 1983 Remedial (Scotland) Order 2025 (SSI 2025/353)

3. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/Draft)
Official Statistics (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 (SSI 2026/Draft)
Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Fruit and Vegetables) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/Draft)

4. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/355 (C.27))

5. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence from—

Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Michael Paparakis, Policy and Bill Programme Manager, Private Law and Colin Gilchrist, Solicitor, Scottish Government.

6. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered correspondence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum and powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence in the Bill. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

7. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the themes arising from evidence heard during its scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1.