Plenary, 07 Sep 2006
Meeting date: Thursday, September 7, 2006
Official Report
704KB pdf
Points of Order
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Would you be minded to inquire of the two members who failed to lodge questions the reasons why that occurred? For those of us whose names appear to be permanently stuck to the inside of the ballot drum, it is a particularly frustrating phenomenon.
I am well aware of the reasons why the two questions were not lodged, and I am very happy with them.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer.
I call Mr Swinburne—sorry, I mean Mr Swinney.
There are some fundamental differences between us.
Presiding Officer, I seek your guidance about the contents of today's Business Bulletin, particularly in relation to the 103 amendments that have been lodged to the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill by the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People. From my reading, those amendments would fundamentally recast the contents of the bill and, indeed, change the title and substance of a bill that has already been introduced into Parliament.
Although Parliament gave its agreement at stage 1 to the general principles of the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill, the Justice 1 Committee will be asked to consider amendments that will transform the commissioner into a commission and fundamentally recast the contents and financial implications of the bill.
Presiding Officer, could you provide me with some guidance on the appropriateness of such a substantial change to a bill that has been introduced into Parliament, and say whether any guidance will be issued to members on the question?
Amendments can be considered for lodging only when they are within the scope of the bill. My understanding is that that is decided in conjunction with the committee's convener, and that that has happened in this case. However, I will look into the matter, and if I have anything further to say, I will get back to Mr Swinney.