The fourth item on the agenda is consideration of a paper by the clerk on the procedure for handling stage 2 of the Budget (Scotland) Bill, which will be introduced by 20 January. As members will note from the paper, the procedure for dealing with the bill is different in many respects from the procedure for dealing with other legislation. Members will note that the paper suggests that we take stage 2 of the bill on 10 February. We should be aware that it appears likely that stage 3 will be considered on either 11 or 12 February, which is soon after stage 2. However, it is also likely that stage 1 will be taken on 29 January. If we were to take stage 2 on 3 February rather than on 10 February, there would not be much time between stages 1 and 2. The issue is when the best time is for us to consider stage 2. It is recommended that we have time between stages 1 and 2 since stage 3 is a more formal element. If there are no objections, I propose that we take stage 2 on 10 February. Do members agree?
Does Susan Duffy want to make any other points?
We wanted a decision on when to take stage 2 so we will factor that in and invite the minister to the committee.
I highlight for members that, under standing orders, only the Executive can lodge amendments to a Budget Bill.
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