Subordinate Legislation Committee, 05 Jun 2001

Meeting date: Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Official Report 103KB pdf

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Consultative Steering Group Principles

This item concerns the Procedures Committee inquiry into the application of consultative steering group principles in the Scottish Parliament. I think this is going round every committee. Our committee operates rather differently and we do not have the same interaction with the public as do other committees. Unless anyone is otherwise minded, a polite letter could indicate that we feel rather out on a limb. We are charged to do a specific task, but it is not the same as other committees.

But it is nice and cosy.

I have a question that arises out of the difference between an order in council and an order of council. Our legal advice says that orders of council are usually in relation to the constitution of colleges, universities and professional bodies. Would that apply to the Parliament? If that is the case, that is an important instrument. I heard Helen Liddell saying the other night that if there were to be changes to the Scotland Act 1998 it would not be done after a debate, but by an order in council. I assumed that it was an order in council, but I wonder whether it is an order of council.

We are being advised no. The response that we get to the question flagged up by Bristow Muldoon may give us some indication and we can always pursue the matter in due course, to try to work out what matters are being fired at us.

With vigour.