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The last item on the agenda is delegated legislation. Although matters have proceeded apace elsewhere in the Parliament, we have continued to consider the Budget (Scotland) Bill. It does not appear that we need to flag anything up.
It might be helpful to make reference to section 6 of the bill, which concerns delegated powers. I gather that it may not have been the subject of extensive debate, deliberation or consideration in committee, yet it appears to be of the Henry VIII species—it allows the amendment of primary legislation by subordinate legislation. The powers under section 6 allow the budget to be changed in every single respect, which seems remarkable. Every single figure may be changed. That means that ministers have powers that any dictator would take for granted. Although one would not want to describe the Executive in that way, we should make note of the fact that such powers exist.
We are dealing with the budget for the Scottish Executive for a full year, so it is perfectly reasonable that such powers for ministers to amend legislation should exist. I do not think that dictators have to lay before Parliament proposals on how they wish to spend money, in the way that is defined under section 6(2) of the bill. I do not imagine that many dictators have been subject to such scrutiny.
Nevertheless, we should flag it up and let the lead committee have a think about it.
I agree with Ian. We want it to be clear that a conscious decision has been made to proceed on that basis, rather than for it appear that things have been accepted on the nod.
We should draw the Finance Committee's attention to the fact that that Henry VIII power is there, and let it decide what it wants to do—for example, whether it wants to discuss the matter with the minister. I do not think, Bristow, that anything further than that is being suggested. We should leave the debating to the Finance Committee. Is that all right?
Yes.
That brings our meeting to a conclusion.
Meeting closed at 11:25.