Local Government and Communities Committee, 20 Jun 2007
Meeting date: Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Official Report
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Proposed Disabled Persons Parking (Scotland) Bill
Agenda item 4 is the proposed disabled persons parking (Scotland) bill. The committee will consider a statement of reasons for not consulting further on the proposal. Jackie Baillie MSP is with us. She will be supported, if necessary, by David Cullum of the non-Executive bills unit.
I invite Jackie Baillie to say only a few words, as we have received her written statement.
I thank you for the early opportunity to address the committee. I know about your interest in the proposed bill—I am sure that many committee members share that interest—and that there is commitment to the issue of parking for disabled persons. I look forward to debating the substance of the policy proposals with the committee in due course. However, today we are to discuss the statement of reasons for not repeating the consultation.
Between 20 November 2006 and 26 February 2007, I ran a consultation on the proposal for a disabled persons parking (Scotland) bill—the title is snappy. The consultation was extensive, and I received 173 responses. In line with the requirements of standing orders, I have lodged a draft proposal for this session and have produced a statement of reasons for the committee that sets out why I do not consider that further consultation on the proposed bill is necessary. First, a further consultation would simply duplicate the work that has already been undertaken. Secondly, it would create a great deal of further work for the individuals and organisations that took the time to respond to the original proposal, which has not been changed.
I thank the committee for giving me the opportunity to bring this matter before it today. I am more than happy to answer any questions that members have.
As members have no questions, do we agree that there is no need for us to consult further on the draft proposal for a disabled persons parking (Scotland) bill?
Members indicated agreement.
I thank Jackie Baillie and David Cullum.