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Chamber and committees

Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee

Meeting date: Wednesday, September 15, 2010


Contents


Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill

The Convener

Item 2 is the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill. We have an approach paper and a private paper from the Scottish Parliament information centre, which indicates some of the issues that we may wish to cover in the evidence sessions. Are there any comments on the approach paper?

Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP)

It is very helpful.

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab)

Broadly, I think that what it suggests is the right approach and that we should go forward on that basis.

The Convener

I understand that Hugh Henry, who is the member in charge of the bill, may have difficulty attending our meetings, because he has a committee that sometimes meets at the same time as we do, but he will attend as often as he can when we are taking evidence. His absence should not be taken as an indication of a lack of interest on his part; it is simply that he has important duties elsewhere.

Lewis Macdonald

Clearly, there is a particular issue in relation to the session at which he will give evidence.

The Convener

We will of course schedule that evidence session for a time when he is available.

An issue that arises partly from the Government’s response is that there seems to be a lack of evidence on the deterrent impact of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005. I do not know whether SPICe will be able to assist on that, but I would like the clerks to ask it whether it can. There is a lack of evidence on whether the 2005 act has resulted in a reduction in assaults on those covered by it. I wonder whether SPICe can find out whether there is any information about the number of assaults, as opposed to the number of prosecutions. That might indicate whether the act is having a deterrent effect, which seems to be one of the key issues with the bill. Do members agree that we should ask whether that information is available? It may not be, but if we do not ask, we do not get.

Members indicated agreement.

The Convener

Other than that, are we happy with the recommendations?

Members indicated agreement.

The Convener

Specifically, I ask members to allocate to me the final decision on any changes to the agreed witness list and the payment of associated witness expenses. Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

The Convener

Is it also agreed that we will take consideration of any draft report in private?

Members indicated agreement.

The Convener

Thank you, colleagues.