On a point of order. I have given notice of my point of order to the Presiding Officers. I understand that there is a statutory requirement under the Transport Act 1962, as amended, that there shall be laid before the Parliament the annual report and accounts of the Scottish Transport Group, relating to the Scottish Bus Group pensioners. In a debate on 29 November, the minister referred to information contained in those accounts. However, the accounts have not yet been presented to this Parliament. Under section 121 of the Scotland Act 1998, is there not an absolute duty to lodge such reports and accounts before the Parliament? Why has the Executive had access to information in those accounts when those accounts are still not before us today?
The timely and open provision of information is a matter of importance. The Presiding Officers sympathise with Mr Ewing's request for early public access to important information. However, the decision on when to lay the report and accounts before Parliament remains a matter for the Executive; its timing is not a matter for the Presiding Officers under standing orders.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Could you inform the Parliament whether the Presiding Officers and the Parliament have been consulted on two amendments to the Animal Health Bill, which is currently being considered for England and Wales? The Conservatives at Westminster today tabled amendments to extend powers under that bill to Scotland. I understand that David McLetchie attended the Conservative shadow Cabinet meeting yesterday—I am not sure whether that was to receive orders. It is important that Parliament is made aware if there has been any consultation on the action that has been taken at Westminster.
I have quite genuinely no knowledge of that matter, which, I must say to Fiona Hyslop, is not for the Presiding Officer in the first instance. It is for the Executive to come to Parliament if a Sewel motion is required.
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