On a point of order, Presiding Officer, of which I have given you brief notice. I seek your guidance as to the interpretation of chapter 9 of the standing orders with regard to the introduction of an Executive bill. This afternoon I noticed that the Executive has introduced a bill—namely the transport bill. The press release is entitled, "Transport bill … before Parliament." However, it is not. The Scottish Parliament information centre does not have the bill and, therefore, MSPs cannot see it or comment on it or fulfil our function of democratic scrutiny of the legislation. Presiding Officer, I ask you to offer us your guidance on whether the Executive's actions display discourtesy to the chamber. If that is the case, what guidance might you offer to the Executive in order to enable it to ensure that it avoids such transgressions in future?
The Transport (Scotland) Bill has been formally introduced as it was delivered today to the clerk to the Parliament. However, it will not be available to members until it is printed, which will be tomorrow. Normally, Executive practice is to wait until bills are printed before making public comment.
As you know, Presiding Officer, I am pleased to be the Minister for Parliamentary Business. As I am aware that one of my many tasks will no doubt be responding to many points of order raised by Fergus Ewing, I am pleased to have this baptism this afternoon.
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