A paper on the bill from the clerks has been circulated to members. We took most instructive evidence on the bill. The clerks have prepared a helpful paper that gives us the background at the time when we undertook the task and the situation as it has been altered by the change in proceedings south of the border. I am happy for the committee to consider what it wants to do about the bill.
The committee took interesting evidence and it would be a shame if we did not complete the process. I suggest that we restrict ourselves to focusing on specific issues and on the need for amendments. It is important that we hear from Lord Falconer or, if he is unavailable, from the Lord Advocate. I suggest that we wait to find out the Executive's position on the Sewel motion and whether either of or both those ministers is willing to give evidence to the committee, so that we can conclude our deliberations and complete a report, which will allow our views to be taken into account.
That is helpful.
I agree with Karen Whitefield and I say for the record that it is essential for us to complete our report so that it can be considered by the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitutional Reform Bill. Given the process that is being followed, that is the obvious way for our views to be taken into account.
The committee is unanimous about the proposal. Members will see from the clerks' note that we are in the grip of one or two timescales that are made a little more pressing because of the intervening recess. If we are to take evidence from Lord Falconer or, if he is unavailable, from the Lord Advocate, we will need to make contact immediately.