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On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I have given very brief notice of this—necessarily, because it just arose after an answer from Minister Lochhead, as well as an answer from Minister McKee yesterday. With respect, it is a very important matter. I seek your guidance under rule 9.8.4 of standing orders, which is the part that deals with stage 3 amendments and which states that there may be amendments that are inadmissible.
It has been contended by me twice to the relevant ministers, both today and yesterday—Ministers Lochhead and McKee—that the Scottish Government sought to lodge an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that would have had the effect of amending the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 in order to empower local authorities to charge a flat tax in addition to, or instead of, a percentage rate. The Government has said not that it was minded to do that, but that it is considering doing that. However, if it is the case that the Government lodged an amendment, it is a matter of fact that it decided that it wished to do that. The Government cannot thereafter say that it is considering doing it.
I do not expect that you will necessarily be able to give a reply now, Presiding Officer, because this is a point of principle and one that I certainly have not heard raised in the chamber before, but my question is this: what is the status of inadmissible amendments? If the Government lodges an amendment that is declared to be inadmissible, are the public ever entitled to hear about it? Is the Government required to publish that amendment? I cannot see any requirement under standing orders that it does so, but where something is a matter of clear public interest, does democracy not require that the public and MSPs have a right to be told the truth? Was there an amendment or not? If we cannot be told the truth, is that not a very serious defect in the powers of this Parliament democratically to hold our Government to account?
Thank you, Mr Ewing. As you will be aware, the Presiding Officer responded to a similar concern that was raised yesterday. I will ensure that the comments that you have just made are further reflected on. If there is anything further that can be added, I will ensure that the chamber is kept updated.
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