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I welcome everyone to the second meeting in 2015 of the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing. I ask everyone to switch off completely mobile phones and other electronic devices as they interfere with broadcasting, even when switched to silent. We have received apologies from Margaret Mitchell.
I welcome our new member of the sub-committee, Elaine Murray, who is energetic and volunteering, if I recall correctly. Our first item of business is to invite Elaine to declare any interests relevant to the sub-committee’s remit.
I have nothing to declare that is relevant to the sub-committee’s remit.
Before I move on, Alison McInnes has something that she wants to say.
Thank you. Last June a senior police officer told this committee that the non-statutory stop and search of under-12s would stop forthwith. This week it has been revealed that, contrary to the assurance given to this committee, that practice continued unabated and by November it was at a higher level than in June, when the officer said that it was indefensible. That lack of regard for the authority of the Parliament is surprising. I ask for an urgent meeting of the committee to recall the assistant chief constable to account for that contradiction.
As you know, Alison, that news came too late in the day for this meeting. A panel of witnesses had already given up time in their diaries to come here today. Does the committee agree to deal with the matter at our next meeting, which will be our first meeting after recess?
Members indicated agreement.
I am obliged.
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