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Basically, we can defer the decision until the new year. We should decide that we will take the time that is available, but we do not have to decide what we intend to do with it.
I think that we are on safe ground, in that we will getnew targets and will be able to question the Executive about why it is not committing more resources to housing.
We might not have realised it, but the Scots have provided the world with fresh talent for the past two centuries—we are now trying to get talent back in. On a recent visit to Costa Rica, I met a guy by the name of Pablo Macdonald.
We have already noticed that the councils are learning from the first four best-value audits and are trying to set their houses in order. That is great; it is the best news that we could get. The councils are saying to themselves, "Wait a minute—we are way behind in this area."
Indeed, I am happy to say that, because of the result of the recent spending review, we expect an increase in student numbers. That is good news as it indicates that the opportunity for a higher proportion of Scots of all ages to get into higher education will be further improved.
I am pleased that David Mundell supports the new powers. Of course, that contrasts starkly with the views of his colleague, Lord Forsyth, who still appears to be hell-bent on getting rid of the powers of this Parliament completely.