Justice and Home Affairs Committee, 26 Apr 2000
Meeting date: Wednesday, April 26, 2000
Official Report
263KB pdf
Scottish Parliament Justice and Home Affairs Committee Wednesday 26 April 2000 (Morning)
[The Convener opened the meeting at 09:38]
Good morning, everyone. I am sorry that we have a late start. I have been rushing a little, but we cannot blame ScotRail this morning, as blame lies with whoever runs the inter-city service to Edinburgh.
I have received apologies for absence from Christine Grahame, who has an engagement in her region this morning. Donald Gorrie is with us, as he has been appointed by the Health and Community Care Committee as a reporter on the budget process.
I have been appointed by the Local Government Committee.
Right—the Local Government Committee. I presume that Donald is here to watch what happens. Do you wish to say anything, Donald?
The Local Government Committee has asked some of its members to attend other committees with which there is some overlap. I do not think that any of the witnesses giving evidence to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee today are in any way related to local government, so I will sneak off. On other days, when you are dealing with the police, for example, which is a service that is obviously of interest to the Local Government Committee, I will sit in, if I may, and follow your proceedings.
You are very welcome. If you wish to ask any questions, Donald, just indicate and we will ensure that you get in.
I remind members to declare an interest at the beginning of the discussion, if specific issues arise from today's proceedings in which they feel they should declare such an interest. That is in addition to the general declaration of interest that all members made in September.
It had been our intention to consider a draft report on prisons today. However, that has proven difficult because of the recess. Our clerks, apparently quite unreasonably, regarded the recess as an opportunity to take holidays, which resulted in the committee not having its draft report. I am only teasing. The draft report will be on next week's agenda. I ask the committee to agree to take that item in private, as is our practice.
Members indicated agreement.
Thank you.