Subordinate Legislation Committee, 26 Feb 2002
Meeting date: Tuesday, February 26, 2002
Official Report
136KB pdf
Delegated Powers Scrutiny
Scottish Qualifications Authority Bill: Stage 1
We return to the published agenda. Everyone knows the background to the SQA bill, which makes new arrangements for the appointment of members to the board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority. It also provides for Scottish ministers to make regulations to create an advisory council of stakeholders and to make regulations about the procedures of the SQA board, including provision for a representative of the Scottish Executive to attend board meetings.
As far as we can see, the use of delegated powers in the bill seems entirely appropriate. We do not need to draw anything to the attention of the lead committee or the Parliament.
Marriage (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Well, you win some, you lose some.
We raised a number of points with the Executive on the Marriage (Scotland) Bill. For example, we asked it to include a definition of the word "place" in the bill. I do not know why it has not agreed with our entirely reasonable and utterly desirable suggestion, but it has not changed its position at all on the matter.
It is also a bit disappointing that the bill still does not contain the requirement on the part of the Registrar General for Scotland to issue guidance. Furthermore, there is no statutory requirement for consultation on any changes. We thought it was a little mean to miss that out.
However, the procedure for making regulations has already been agreed. We know that the Government will include a right of appeal in the bill, as a stage 3 amendment to that effect has been lodged. When the Local Government Committee told Euan Robson to do that, he said okay.
Do members have any comments other than to welcome the fact that an amendment has been lodged at stage 3?
You have covered the salient points, convener.