Official Report 380KB pdf
Agenda item 4 is consideration of an update on cross-party groups. Members will note from the monitoring report the continued improvements in the overall level of compliance with the code for CPGs.
I will put on the record an update on the CPGs on Russia and the Scots language. The previous monitoring report, which we considered in May this year, highlighted that those two groups were not compliant with the code in relation to membership. The committee raised concerns with the convener of both groups—Rob Gibson—in an evidence session and agreed to allow the groups until after the October recess to address its concerns. Rob Gibson has since informed the clerks that the group on the Scots language has decided to disband and that the group on Russia has recruited a new MSP member and so is now compliant with the code’s rules on membership.
Does anyone wish to comment on that factual report?
On those two groups?
Yes—just on that specific update at the moment.
If there are no such comments, I ask whether the committee wishes to take any action on any non-compliant groups. Indeed, are there any other comments on the report, bearing it in mind that we will cover a specific issue under the next agenda item?
10:30
It is really good to read in the monitoring report that more groups are doing joint work. Overall, CPG compliance with the code is looking good.
However, I ask that we keep an eye on the CPGs on construction and human trafficking. The first attempt by the CPG on construction to hold an annual general meeting was inquorate, so I think that we should keep an eye on it. We should also have a wee word with the secretariat for the CPG on human trafficking because it should not have agreed a date for its AGM but then held a joint meeting with another group on that date, letting the AGM fall.
Overall, however, I think that what we see in the monitoring report is good.
Okay. It seems that there are no further comments on item 4, which is fine.
Under agenda item 5, the committee is to consider a change of name and purpose for the CPG on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The convener of the CPG, Dave Thompson, said:
“The reason for the change is to give a platform to all skin conditions rather than just those associated with Psoriasis. There are many such conditions which can be very debilitating.”
Does anyone wish to comment?
I just want to say that I am a member of that CPG.
Okay. It was in order for you to say that—the point is duly noted.
If there are no more comments from members, I invite the committee to consider whether to approve the proposed change of name and purpose for the cross-party group on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Is that agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
Okay. That ends the public part of our meeting.
10:31 Meeting continued in private until 11:33.