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Chamber and committees

Finance Committee, 15 Apr 2008

Meeting date: Tuesday, April 15, 2008


Contents


Scottish Register of Tartans Bill: Financial Memorandum

The Convener:

Item 3 is consideration of our approach to the financial memorandum to the Scottish Register of Tartans Bill, which was introduced on 25 March. As members will see from the clerk's paper, it is suggested that we adopt level 1 scrutiny of the bill, which will involve our seeking written evidence from the National Archives of Scotland. Do members agree to that approach?

Liam McArthur:

I agree. However, when I read the briefing paper, a thought occurred to me on the range of the fees. The textile industry supports the general thrust of the bill, but as we know from the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, the way in which a fee structure is introduced can create difficulties. I wonder whether it would be helpful to ask for written evidence from those who are likely to be paying the fees.

Are there any other comments?

Alex Neil:

In the previous session I was convener of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, which considered the Scottish Register of Tartans Bill. At that time, for various reasons, it did not progress. On Liam McArthur's point, if we refer to the evidence that potential users gave that committee in the previous session, we will get a list of people to whom to write for information.

Would such a list be reasonably accessible?

It is just a question of checking who gave evidence last time.

The Convener:

By the way, perhaps I should declare an interest, since I am convener of the cross-party group on tartan day. However, I give an assurance that I have no pecuniary interest—only the wish to encourage tartan day events.

The suggestion is that we seek written evidence on fees. Does the committee agree?

Members indicated agreement.

We will adopt level 1 scrutiny.