Procedures Committee, 26 Jun 2001

Meeting date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001

Official Report 185KB pdf

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Bills (Stage 3)

The first item on the agenda is stage 3 order of consideration. David McGill, from the legislation team, will explain the matter to us.

The paper addresses a potential problem that occurred to us when we were preparing amendments for stage 3 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. Fortunately, the problem did not arise in relation to that bill, but we thought that it would be worth while addressing the matter before the next stage 3 proceedings were reached.

The matter is relatively straightforward. The standing orders oblige us, when there is no order of consideration motion at stage 3, to take amendments to the long title first. Given that amendments to the long title are almost always consequential to other amendments, that is not the best way to handle proceedings. The paper should be relatively self-explanatory. I am happy to answer any questions that members might have.

Members have received the paper and the draft revisions to standing orders. The change seems sensible and straightforward. Are there any questions?

No.

Can we agree to accept the report and recommend the amendments to standing orders?

Members indicated agreement.

That was the easiest day's work that David McGill has ever done—and he had been told what a dreadful committee this was to come to.