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At that stage, we can sometimes ask whether a lighter touch could be applied, with the agreement of industry and, as Alisdair Meldrum has rightly pointed out, within the bounds of what the accountable officer for that policy area deems appropriate.
It is important that the Parliament takes that into account when it votes on the motion. The Parliament has the right to choose to ignore that evidence.
However, the sentence passed in any specific case is a matter for the court, which will take into account the particular circumstances of the case.Christine Grahame talked about the Court of Appeal.
As an Opposition MSP, I recognise the responsibility and the right of members to hold the Executive to account and, where necessary, to put the blockers on it.
However, it strikes me that if we are all responsible nobody is accountable, and the issue is really one of accountability.I am sure that you are aware of the evidence that Engender gave to this committee and to others about the budget process.