Official Report 79KB pdf
Members have seen the Scottish Government's response to our stage 1 report on the delegated powers in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill. It is unfortunate that the response was received on Friday, after stage 2 had started. This is the first time that the Government has not responded to points that the committee has raised in a stage 1 report before stage 2 has commenced. It might, therefore, be reasonable to ask the Minister for Parliamentary Business to establish the reasons for that oversight, so that it does not happen again. Are members content for us to write to him to that effect?
Members indicated agreement.
Members will note that the Government has agreed to lodge some amendments in response to our recommendations, but a number of issues are outstanding. We are asked simply to note the Government's response. We will return to the bill after stage 2, when we can revisit the issues and all other changes that are made to the powers in the bill at stage 2, which will continue until 2 March. As members have no comments on the response, are they content to note the response, as set out in the paper by the clerk?
Members indicated agreement.