Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee

Meeting date: Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Official Report 282KB pdf

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Housing (Scotland) Bill: After Stage 2

Is the committee content with amendment 61, in so far as it relates to the committee’s remit?

This is a further example of late lodging of amendments, which perhaps Mr Stevenson’s committee needs to look into. We have talked about the need for explanations for amendments; it turns out that we are content with amendment 61, but if we had not been, difficulties might have arisen. The convener might wish to investigate that with Mr Stevenson’s committee—I am afraid that I do not remember its name; is it the standards committee?

Yes.

We come to agenda item 4. The committee agreed its report on the bill, as amended at stage 2, at last week’s meeting. Since then, a non-Government amendment—amendment 61—has been lodged that would confer a new power on the Scottish ministers to make subordinate legislation.

Members will recall that Scottish Government officials wrote to the clerk on 11 June to advise the committee that the amendment would be lodged and that the Government intends to support it. To allow the committee to scrutinise the amendment, the letter explained the provision’s purpose and the reasons why it is proposed that the power be taken. Members have seen that letter and a briefing paper from our legal advisers. Does the committee agree to note the Scottish Government’s letter?

Members indicated agreement.

I would like the matter to be pursued.

With that, is the committee content with amendment 61, in so far as it relates to the committee’s remit?

Members indicated agreement.