Justice 2 Committee, 05 Sep 2001

Meeting date: Wednesday, September 5, 2001

Official Report 184KB pdf

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Scottish Parliament Justice 2 Committee Wednesday 5 September 2001 (Morning)

[The Convener opened the meeting at 10:01]

As we are quorate, I will start the meeting. First, I welcome members back from the summer recess. I hope that you are suitably refreshed and raring to go, because we have a big justice agenda—that is for sure—over the next few months. We have a fair-sized agenda this morning. I will do the usual—getting the important things done—and check that everyone has switched off their mobile phones and pagers.

There are a few matters to report under the convener's report. First, it is proposed that we have a joint stock-taking meeting with the Justice 1 Committee on the morning of 19 September, when we will hear from the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and from the Lord Advocate about progress to date. We will also hear about plans that the Scottish Executive has for the justice department and the possible impact of those on the justice committees. Do members agree to have that meeting?

Members indicated agreement.

Members should also be aware that on Tuesday 11 September, from 1.30 to 2.30, the Justice 1 Committee will be hearing evidence in the chamber from HM chief inspector of prisons, Clive Fairweather, on his 2000-01 annual report. Members should advise the clerks if they want to attend that meeting so that the clerks can advise the Justice 1 Committee of that. It is important to note that—when we can fit it on to our agenda—we will be considering the parts of the inspection report that relate to the work that we have been doing. Members might want to think about whether they can attend that meeting.

Finally, I remind members that stage 3 of the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Bill will be debated on Wednesday 12 September.