We move on to our annual report, which covers our work during the parliamentary year from 11 May 2013 to 10 May 2014. The draft annual report is available for members’ consideration. Do members have any comments on the draft?
I have three minor points.
I hope that they are not minor drafting errors, or you could be shifted to another committee.
No, they are not. It is a superbly drafted document—there is no doubt about that.
In paragraph 20, which deals with legislative consent memorandums, could we refer to our frustrations about the timeframe within which we were expected to deliberate?
Yes. I think that we get the gist. The committee can draw attention to the fact that we are not pleased—or whatever the wording is—about that, particularly with memorandums that were of extreme relevance. We did not have time to do much with them.
I have two other minor points. In paragraph 23, which deals with European Union engagement, could we make a passing reference to the negative implications of the opt-out, because that is what we heard from the Lord Advocate, Police Scotland, the Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs and the House of Lords?
Is everybody happy with that?
Members indicated agreement.
My final point is on paragraph 31. The second sentence in the paragraph states:
“The Act replaced the eight territorial police forces in Scotland with one national force”.
Although that is not incorrect, I think that we need to add that the national force also replaced the central services.
Right. Well done, John—that bacon roll hasn’t half worked.
Are there any other comments?
I accept that the report covers our work to 10 May but, for general information, I have a question about Karen Bradley’s visit last week, which was cancelled. Do we have an update on what is planned?
No, we do not. We are following that up—the carrier pigeon is off. We are chasing that up, because it was disappointing. It might not be her fault, of course.
With those comments, are members content to agree the annual report for publication?
Members indicated agreement.
We have no meeting next week. Our next meeting will be on 3 June, when we will take evidence on the Taylor review and consider petitions.
Meeting closed at 09:22.Previous
Subordinate Legislation