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Agenda item 4 is consideration of the Scottish Government’s response to the committee’s stage 1 report on the Prisoners (Control of Release) (Scotland) Bill. Members have seen the briefing paper and the response from the Scottish Government.
Do members have any comments?
When we discussed the issue previously, I certainly felt—and I think that most of the committee felt—that it was quite a serious one. It is a bit disappointing that there seems to have been absolutely no give on the part of the Government.
I wonder where we should go now; I do not think that we should drop the matter completely. I stand to be corrected, but I think that the bill is at quite an early stage, so we have not had the stage 1 debate. Perhaps the issue could be raised in that debate.
I support John Mason’s suggestion.
I, too, suggest that the convener could express the committee’s view that the Government should look at the matter again, if the opportunity arises during the stage 1 debate. Failing that, any other member of the committee who participates in that debate could do so.
Thank you, colleagues. We are unanimous in our view that we do not want to drop the matter, as it might give rise to significant issues. I hear what the committee says. If I get such an opportunity, I will take it; others might be able to do so. We will just have to see how the stage 1 debate goes—who gets to speak is not within our gift.
Are members comfortable with that approach?
Members indicated agreement.
Are we content to note the response and, if necessary, to reconsider the bill after stage 2?
Members indicated agreement.