Justice 2 Committee,

Meeting date: Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Official Report 257KB pdf

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Scottish Parliament Justice 2 Committee Tuesday 15 May 2001 (Morning)

[The Convener opened the meeting at 09:47]

I welcome everyone to the 12th meeting in 2001 of the Justice 2 Committee and remind members to turn off mobile phones and pagers. We have received apologies from Tavish Scott, who is attending a meeting of the Transport and the Environment Committee.

I point out to members that the committee clerks are participating in the Parliament's open week, which provides an opportunity for members of staff to find out more about the work of their colleagues in other directorates. Therefore, five members of staff are viewing the committee's proceedings from inside the chamber.

May I raise a point, convener? This is no reflection on the official reporters, but I am unhappy that we have yet to receive the Official Report of our previous meeting. Members need to read previous witnesses' evidence in order to be able to prepare questions for the next meeting.

I advise the committee that I have lodged a written parliamentary question to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on the subject of the delay in the production of Official Reports of committee meetings.

I am happy to acknowledge the point that you raise, Christine. However, I should point out that the situation is not the fault of the official reporters. That office is increasing its number of staff, but it takes time to train official reporters. I should also advise members that the conveners liaison group agreed priorities for the production of official reports of committee meetings, with stage 2 proceedings at the top of the pecking order. However, I will pursue the matter at the conveners liaison group, if members are in agreement.

Thank you, convener.

Members have been circulated with a note prepared by the clerks on questions and answers from our previous meeting. However, it is certainly a hindrance to the work of the committee that the Official Report of our previous meeting is not yet available.