BUSINESS BULLETIN No. 314/2012 Tuesday 23 October 2012

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1 BUSINESS BULLETIN No. 314/2012 Tuesday 23 October 2012 Summary of Today s Business Meetings of Committees 9.00 am Education and Culture Committee Committee Room am Health and Sport Committee Committee Room am Welfare Reform Committee Committee Room am Justice Committee Committee Room am Subordinate Legislation Committee Committee Room 4 Meeting of the Parliament 2.00 pm Time for Reflection - Bushra Iqbal MBE, Founder and Chair of North Lanarkshire Muslim Women and Family Alliance. Parliamentary Bureau Motions Topical Questions Ministerial Statement: The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual Target Report Justice Committee Debate: The Role of the Media in Criminal Trials Business Motions Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Members Business S4M David Torrance: 5th Fife Scout Group, Kirkcaldy, Scottish Championship Award (for text of motion see Section F) For full details of today s business, see Section A. For full details of the future business, see sections B and C. 1

2 Contents The sections which appear in today s Business Bulletin are in bold Section A: Section B: Section C: Section D: Section E: Section F: Section G: Section H: Section I: Section J: Today s Business - Meetings of Committees - Meeting of the Parliament Future Meetings of the Parliament Future Meetings of Committees Oral Questions - Questions selected for First Minister s Question Time - Questions selected for response by Ministers and junior Scottish Ministers at Question Time Written Questions new questions for written answer Motions and Amendments Bills - New Bills introduced - New amendments to Bills - Members Bills proposals New Documents new documents laid before the Parliament and committee reports published Petitions new public petitions Progress of Legislation progress of Bills and subordinate legislation 2

3 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section A Today s Business Meetings of Committees All meetings take place in the Scottish Parliament, unless otherwise specified. Contact details for Committee Clerks are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Education and Culture Committee 26th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 9.00 am in Committee Room 2 1. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Andrew Scott, Director of Employability, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Sarah Smith, Director of Learning, and Mike Foulis, Director of Children and Families, Scottish Government; and then from Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Wendy Wilkinson, Deputy Director, Culture Division, and David Seers, Team Leader, Cultural Excellence, Scottish Government; Myriam Madden, Director of Finance, Historic Scotland. 2. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will consider the evidence taken on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether its consideration of draft reports on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget should be taken in private at future meetings. 4. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether its consideration of its work programme should be taken in private at future meetings. Health and Sport Committee 28th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 9.30 am in Committee Room 6 1. European Union Engagement : The Committee will consider a draft report. 2. Appointment of European Union Reporter: The Committee will appoint a member to serve as its European Union Reporter. 3. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget , in round-table format, from 3

4 Dr Kirsty Long, Equality and Diversity Adviser, NHS Education for Scotland; Martin Woodrow, Scottish Secretary, British Medical Association; Annie Gunner Logan, Director, Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland; Rachel Cackett, Policy Advisor, Royal College of Nursing Scotland; John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations; John Gallacher, Scottish Organiser, UNISON; Alex MacKinnon, Director, Royal Pharmaceutical Society; and then from Paul Zealey, Head of Engagement and Legacy, GLASGOW 2014; Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland; Ian Hooper, Vice Chair, VOCAL, Director of Sport and Special Projects, Glasgow Life; Kim Atkinson, Policy Director, Scottish Sports Association. Welfare Reform Committee 12th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 9.30 am in Committee Room 5 1. Declaration of interests: Iain Gray will be invited to declare any relevant interests. 2. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 5, 6, 7 and 8 in private. 3. Passported benefits and social fund: The Committee will take evidence from Nicola Sturgeon, Cabiniet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Ann McVie, Team Leader, Welfare Division, and Stuart Foubister, Directorate for Legal Services, Scottish Government. 4. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from Nicola Sturgeon, Cabiniet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Stephen Kerr, Head of Welfare Division, and Adam Reid, Team Leader, Welfare Division, Scottish Government. 5. Proposal for an external meeting: The Committee will consider a note by the Clerk. 6. Proposal for commissioned research: The Committee will consider a note by the Clerk. 7. Passported benefits, social fund and draft budget : The Committee will consider evidence heard earlier in the meeting. 8. Future witnesses: The Committee will consider potential future witnesses. Justice Committee 29th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 1 4

5 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 5 and 6 in private. 2. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from Chief Constable Kevin Smith, President, and Doug Cross, Chair, Finance Management Business Area, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland; Chief Superintendent David O Connor, President, Association of Scottish Police Superintendents; Calum Steele, General Secretary, Scottish Police Federation; Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser (Bargaining and Campaigns), Unison Scotland; and then from Chief Constable Stephen House, Police Service of Scotland; Allan Macleod, Director of Finance and Resources, Strathclyde Police; Vic Emery, Chair, Scottish Police Authority. 3. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will take evidence on the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (Incidental Provisions) Order 2012 [draft] from Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs; Peter Reid, Criminal Law and Licensing Division, Scottish Government. 4. Subordinate legislation: Roseanna Cunningham (Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs) to move S4M-4088 That the Justice Committee recommends that the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (Incidental Provisions) Order 2012 [draft] be approved. 5. EU issues: The Committee will consider developments within its EU priorities and other EU issues, and agree a report to the European and External Relations Committee in relation to its EU engagement over the last year. 6. The role of the media in criminal trials - witness expenses: The Committee will be invited to delegate to the Convener responsibility for arranging for the SPCB to pay, under Rule , any expenses of witnesses in the inquiry. Subordinate Legislation Committee 22nd Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 4 1. Instrument subject to approval: The Committee will consider the following Fishing Boats (Satellite-tracking Devices) (Scotland) Scheme 2012 (SSI 2012/264). 2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure: The Committee will consider the following Glasgow Commonwealth Games Act 2008 (Ticket Touting Offence) (Exceptions for Use of Internet etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 [draft]; Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (Premiums) Regulations 2012 [draft]. 3. Instruments subject to negative procedure: The Committee will consider the following 5

6 Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Assistance to Registered Social Landlords and Other Persons) (Grants) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SSI 2012/258); Plant Health (Scotland) Amendment Order 2012 (SSI 2012/266). 4. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure: The Committee will consider the following Glasgow Commonwealth Games Act 2008 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2012 (SSI 2012/261 (C.25)); Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Radioactivity in Sheep) and the Export of Sheep (Prohibition) Revocation (Scotland) Order 2012 (SSI 2012/263); Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2012 (SSI 2012/265 (C.26)); Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 (Commencement No. 4) Order 2012 (SSI 2012/267 (C.27)). 5. Scottish Civil Justice Council and Criminal Legal Assistance Bill: The Committee will consider the Scottish Government s response to its Stage 1 report. 6. Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider the delegated powers provisions in this Bill after Stage 2. 6

7 Meeting of the Parliament 2.00 pm Time for Reflection - Bushra Iqbal MBE, Founder and Chair of North Lanarkshire Muslim Women and Family Alliance. Parliamentary Bureau Motions Topical Questions 1. Neil Findlay: To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to the West Lothian area following the announcement of the closure of the Hall s meat processing plant. (S4T-00071) 2. Maureen Watt: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to expedite the building of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route following the Supreme Court s rejection of the appeal. (S4T-00078) Ministerial Statement: The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual Target Report Justice Committee Debate: The Role of the Media in Criminal Trials S4M Christine Grahame on behalf of the Justice Committee: The Role of the Media in Criminal Trials That the Parliament notes that the Justice Committee is examining the role of the media in criminal trials and that, in order to inform any future work in this area, the Committee would welcome members views on the issues arising in both SPICe Briefing 12-50, Role of the Media in Criminal Trials, and in the summary of evidence gathered to date. Business Motions Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Members Business Debate on the subject of S4M David Torrance: 5 th Fife Scout Group, Kirkcaldy, Scottish Championship Award That the Parliament congratulates the 5th Fife Scout Group, Kirkcaldy, on becoming the Scottish champions, having won the Black s of Greenock National Camping Competition 2012; recognises what it considers to have been the significant contributions and hard 7

8 work of Jenny Ritchie, Reagan McLauchlan, Chloe Whyte, Kiah McIntosh, Robbie Swanson and Olivia Ewan in the last six months, resulting in winning the Kirkcaldy District competition, competing in the zonal qualifiers and culminating in winning the final of the national competition; acknowledges Black s of Greenock, who has supported the Scout Association in Scotland for a number of years and who, it believes, has helped make this a very successful competition; considers that the Scout Association has been very successful in its work with young people in Scotland through encouraging them to use a range of life skills, and praises the association for providing an opportunity for young people to undertake new challenges and adventures and, as a consequence, help them toward recognising and fulfilling their potential as individuals and as active members of society. 8

9 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section B Future Meetings of the Parliament Business Programme agreed by the Parliament on 3 October 2012 Wednesday 24 October pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions Education and Lifelong Learning (for text of questions see Section D of the Business Bulletin for Monday 22 October 2012) Scottish Government Debate: Winter Resilience (for text of motion S4M see Section F) Business Motions Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Members Business S4M Margaret Mitchell: Dyslexia (for text of motion see Section F of the Business Bulletin for Monday 22 October 2012)) Thursday 25 October am Parliamentary Bureau Motions am General Questions (for text of questions see Section D of the Business Bulletin for Monday 22 October 2012) pm First Minister s Questions (for text of questions see Section D) pm Members Business S4M Willie Coffey: Neil Armstrong (for text of motion see Section F of the Business Bulletin for Monday 22 October 2012) 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Stage 1 Debate: Scottish Civil Justice Council and Criminal Legal Assistance (Scotland) Bill Parliamentary Bureau Motions 9

10 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 30 October pm Time for Reflection Parliamentary Bureau Motions Topical Questions (if selected) Scottish Government Business Business Motions Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Members Business Wednesday 31 October pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth (for names of those Members selected for Portfolio Questions see Section D) Stage 3 Proceedings: Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill Business Motions Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time Members Business Thursday 1 November am Parliamentary Bureau Motions am General Questions (for names of those Members selected for General Questions see Section D) pm First Minister s Questions pm Members Business 10

11 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Scottish Government Business Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time 11

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13 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section C Future Committee Meetings This section includes the agendas of the forthcoming committee meetings and outlines proposed future business, which may be subject to change. Committees have the right to take items in private and this will be notified as far in advance as possible. Many committees include details of their future business on their webpages, which can be accessed at: Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee 24 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 8.00 am in Committee Room 4 1. Inquiry into the Scottish Government s renewable energy targets (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report. 2. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 6 in private. 3. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence from Stephen Boyd, Assistant Secretary, STUC; David Lonsdale, Assistant Director, CBI Scotland; Colin Borland, Head of External Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses; John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, SCVO; and then from Norman Kerr, Director, Energy Action Scotland; Dr Dan Barlow, Head of Policy, WWF Scotland. 4. Appointment of EU reporter: The Committee will appoint an EU reporter. 5. EU engagement : The Committee will consider a draft report. 6. Work programme: The Committee will consider its future work programme. Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 31 October, the Committee will continue to take evidence on the Draft Budget For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. 13

14 Finance Committee 24 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 3 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private. 2. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence from Professor John Kay. 3. Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider a draft Stage 1 report. 4. Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider its approach to the Financial Memorandum of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill. 5. High Hedges (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider its approach to the Financial Memorandum of the High Hedges (Scotland) Bill. Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 31 October 2012, the Committee expects to take oral evidence on improving employability from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and to take oral evidence as part of its scrutiny of the Draft budget For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee 24 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 2 1. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from David Bookbinder, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland; Fraser Stewart, Lead Member, Housing Investment, Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF); Gordon MacRae, Head of Communications and Policy, Shelter Scotland. 2. Water Resources (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from Dr Sarah Hendry, Lecturer in Law, IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science; Adrian Johnston, Technical Director at MWH, Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland; Marc Stutter, Head of Research - Catchments and Coasts, The James Hutton Institute; Ian Cowan, Co-Convenor of Water Sub-Group, UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA). 3. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will consider the following negative instrument 14

15 Road Works (Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012 SSI/2012/ European Union issues: The Committee will consider an update on its EU priorities, together with a report on its EU engagement activity in Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 31 October, the Committee will continue to take evidence on the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill. For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Local Government and Regeneration Committee 24 October nd Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 6 1. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will consider the following negative instrument Town and Country Planning (Prescribed Date) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (SSI 2012/260) 2. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from Mike Finlayson, Chief Executive, Forth Sector; Callum Graham, Chief Executive, Glasgow Regeneration Agency; Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company; Bill Nicol, Chief Executive, Riverside Inverclyde; and then from Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare, and David Cowan, Head of Regeneration Unit, Scottish Government. 3. Draft Budget Scrutiny (in private): The Committee will consider the evidence received. Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 31 October, the Committee expects to continue to take evidence on strand 2 of its public services reform inquiry. For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Public Audit Committee 24 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 5 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 4 and 5 in private. 15

16 2. Section 23 report - Managing ICT contracts: The Committee will take evidence on the Auditor General for Scotland s report entitled "Managing ICT contracts" from Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Catriona Hardman, Deputy Keeper and Accountable Officer, Iain Campbell, Chief Information Officer, and John King, Registration Director, Registers of Scotland. 3. Section 23 report - Scotland s colleges - Current finances, future challenges: The Committee will take evidence on the Auditor General for Scotland s report entitled "Scotland s colleges - Current finances, future challenges" from Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Ronnie Nicol, Assistant Director, and Graeme Greenhill, Portfolio Manager, Performance Audit Group, Audit Scotland. 4. Consideration of evidence - Managing ICT contracts: The Committee will consider the evidence received at agenda item 2 and take evidence from Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Ronnie Nicol, Assistant Director, and Graeme Greenhill, Portfolio Manager, Performance Audit Group, Audit Scotland. 5. Consideration of approach - Scotland s colleges - Current finances, future challenges: The Committee will consider its approach to the Auditor General for Scotland s report entitled "Scotland s colleges - Current finances, future challenges" and take evidence from Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Ronnie Nicol, Assistant Director, and Graeme Greenhill, Portfolio Manager, Performance Audit Group, Audit Scotland. Proposed future business At its next meeting it is expected that the Committee will take evidence on reports recently published by the Auditor General for Scotland. For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee 24 October nd Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at am in Committee Room 1 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 4 and 5 and future consideration of evidence on its Draft Budget Scrutiny in private. 2. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Bob McIntosh, Director for Environment and Forestry, Keith Connal, Deputy Director, Natural Resources, and Neil Ritchie, Head of Natural Assets and Flooding, Scottish Government. 16

17 3. Petition PE1396: The Committee will consider a petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to investigate and prevent the overbreeding of Staffordshire bull terrier dogs. 4. Consideration of evidence: The Committee will consider the evidence on the Draft Budget heard earlier in the meeting. 5. Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1. Proposed future business At its next meeting on 31 October, the Committee will take evidence from the Cabinet Secretary on the Draft Budget For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Equal Opportunities Committee 25 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 9.15 am in Committee Room 4 1. Draft Budget Scrutiny : The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government s Draft Budget from John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, Hugh McAloon, Head of Employability and Skills, Yvonne Strachan, Deputy Director - Equalities Third Sector and Communities, and Paul Tyrer, Senior Principal Research Officer, Scottish Government. 2. EU engagement : The Committee will consider a draft response to the European and External Relations Committee. 3. Work programme: The Committee will consider whether it wishes to sponsor an exhibition in June 2013, created by MECOPP and focused on Gypsy/Travellers and care, held to coincide with National Carers Week. Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 8 November 2012, the Committee expects to consider a draft report on the Draft Budget Scrutiny For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee 25 October th Meeting, 2012 The Committee will meet at 9.30 am in Committee Room 6 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 5, 6 and 7 in private. 2. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether its consideration of a draft report on the consultation on the Code of Practice for 17

18 Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies and issues papers on the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Act 2006 should be taken in private at future meetings. 3. Review of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies: The Committee will take oral evidence on the review from Stuart Allan, Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland; Ian Bruce, Compliance Manager, Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life. 4. Reform of parliamentary business: remodelling the parliamentary week: The Committee will consider correspondence received from the Scottish Labour Party. 5. Review of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies: The Committee will consider the evidence heard earlier in the meeting. 6. Orders under the Public Bodies Act 2011: The Committee will consider a draft report and draft Standing Order rule changes. 7. Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Act 2006: The Committee will consider a note by the Clerk. 8. Review of Cross-Party Groups (in private): The Committee will consider a draft report. Proposed future business At its next meeting, on 8 November, the Committee expects to consider draft reports on its Review of Cross-Party Groups and its Review of Section 7 of the Code of Conduct. For further information, contact the Clerk to the Committee, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. 18

19 Section C Other Future Meetings This section includes the agendas of other forthcoming meetings and outlines proposed future business, which may be subject to change. Scottish Commission for Public Audit 25 October th Meeting, 2012 The Commission will meet at 9.30 am in Committee Room 2 1. Decision on taking business in private: The Commission will decide whether to take items 4 and 5 in private and future consideration of its draft report on Audit Scotland s budget proposal for 2013/14 in private. 2. Audit Scotland s Budget Proposal for 2013/14: The Commission will take evidence from Ronnie Cleland, Chair of Audit Scotland s Board; Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Diane McGiffen, Chief Operating Officer, and Russell Frith, Assistant Auditor General, Audit Scotland. 3. Audit Scotland s Autumn Budget Revision 2012/13: The Commission will take evidence from Ronnie Cleland, Chair of Audit Scotland s Board; Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland; Diane McGiffen, Chief Operating Officer, and Russell Frith, Assistant Auditor General, Audit Scotland. 4. Audit Scotland budget proposal 2013/14: The Commission will consider the evidence heard at item Audit Scotland s Autumn Budget Revision 2012/13: The Commission will consider the evidence heard at item 3. Proposed future business For further information, contact the Secretary to the Commission, whose details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. 19

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21 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section D - Oral Questions Topical Questions selected for answer on 23 October Neil Findlay: To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to the West Lothian area following the announcement of the closure of the Hall s meat processing plant. (S4T-00071) 2. Maureen Watt: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to expedite the building of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route following the Supreme Court s rejection of the appeal. (S4T-00078) First Minister s Questions selected for answer on 25 October Johann Lamont: To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day (S4F-00911) 2. Ruth Davidson: To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister. (S4F-00907) 3. Ken Macintosh: To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government s response is to the latest labour market statistics suggesting that there has been a quarterly increase in unemployment in Scotland compared with a fall across the rest of the UK. (S4F-00915) 4. Colin Keir: To ask the First Minister what recent progress has been made with the Forth Replacement Crossing. (S4F-00927) 5. Drew Smith: To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address poverty. (S4F-00913) 6. Liz Smith: To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that wind farms do not have a negative impact on the landscape. (S4F-00909) Members selected for Portfolio Questions on 31 October 2012 The following members have been randomly selected for Portfolio Questions on the above date. Questions must be lodged no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 24 October These will then appear in this section of the Business Bulletin on Thursday 25 October

22 1. Margaret McCulloch 2. Mark Griffin 3. Joan McAlpine 4. Liam McArthur 5. Elaine Murray 6. Tavish Scott 7. George Adam 8. Christina McKelvie 9. Jim Eadie 10. Richard Baker 11. Christine Grahame 12. Sarah Boyack 13. Alison Johnstone 14. Stewart Stevenson 15. Sandra White 16. Graeme Dey 17. Mary Scanlon 18. Mike MacKenzie 19. Anne McTaggart 20. David Torrance Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth Members selected for General Questions on 1 November 2012 The following members have been randomly selected for General Questions on the above date. Questions must be lodged no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 24 October These will then appear in this section of the Business Bulletin on Thursday 25 October John Scott 2. Willie Coffey 3. Kezia Dugdale 4. Iain Gray 5. Jim Hume 6. Aileen McLeod 7. Margo MacDonald 8. Kevin Stewart 9. Marco Biagi 10. Patricia Ferguson 22

23 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section E Written questions lodged on 22 October 2012 Questions marked with a triangle (Δ) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an "R". S4W Jamie McGrigor: To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) scheduled sailings, (b) actual sailings and (c) sailings cancelled due to adverse weather conditions there were on the (i) Gourock to Dunoon and (ii) Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route in each month between July 2011 and September S4W Jamie McGrigor: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, what the reason is for the difference between the figures provided in the answer and those in David MacBrayne Limited s financial statements to March 2012 for subsidy payments between July 2011 and March S4W Jamie McGrigor: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W by Keith Brown on 28 November 2011, what the reason is for the difference between the figures in the answer and those in David MacBrayne Limited s financial statements to March S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards on developing an access policy as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government what minimum requirements were set out in guidance it issued to NHS boards on developing an access policy as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place with NHS boards on the acceptability of the use of private providers in access policies developed by NHS boards as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place with NHS boards to ensure that a consistent approach is taken to patient treatment and is set out in access policies as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure the consistent treatment of patients with the 12-week waiting time guarantee set out in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act

24 S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards about communicating with patients who have English as a second language in the context of access policies required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government whether access policies required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 will be subject to an equalities impact assessment. S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, when the evaluation of the second year of the grant for thalidomide survivors will be (a) completed and (b) published. S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, what issues were discussed at the meeting with the Thalidomide Trust and National Advisory Council on 17 July S4W Jackie Baillie: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, whether it has reached a decision to provide thalidomide survivors with a permanent financial contribution. S4W Elaine Smith: To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for promoting breastfeeding in the next two financial years, following publication of the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK. S4W Elaine Smith: To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it could give to breastfeeding mothers, following publication of the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK. S4W Elaine Smith: To ask the Scottish Government what additional (a) support and (b) funding it will provide for the (i) promotion and (ii) support of breastfeeding, following findings in the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK that failure to breastfeed can have serious health implications as well as costing taxpayers millions of pounds. S4W-10352Δ Clare Adamson: To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its International Framework. S4W Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide to rural communities affected by localised flooding. S4W Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken against owners of weirs and sluice gates that are faulty or broken as a result of a lack of maintenance. 24

25 S4W Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider creating a database of ownership for weirs and sluice gates. S4W Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the ownership and maintenance of weirs and sluice gates to help prevent future flooding. S4W Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what 30 organisations will benefit from its Autism Development Fund and how much each will receive. S4W Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken under the Muntjac Keeping (Scotland) Order 2011 to limit the spread of muntjac deer. S4W Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what recent communication it has had with Scottish Natural Heritage regarding the spread of muntjac deer. S4W Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether a capital spending project is "shovel-ready". S4W Jamie McGrigor: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on plans to provide a diversionary route to be used in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. S4W Jamie McGrigor: To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to invest in the A83 to prevent or minimise the risk of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful. S4W Richard Baker: To ask the Scottish Government how many boilers have been replaced each year under the boiler scrappage scheme and how many it expects to be replaced in each of the next four years. S4W Richard Baker: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle fuel poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire. S4W Richard Baker: To ask the Scottish Government how many homes were considered to be in fuel poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years. 25

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27 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section F Motions and Amendments Motions and amendments are normally printed the day after they are lodged. If an amendment is lodged to a motion then the original motion will appear alongside the amendment, along with any support lodged that day, in this section. Each Monday, this section also contains all motions and amendments lodged the previous week that are still live and any motions and amendments that have been lodged for debate in the coming week. A motion or amendment is live if it has not been debated, withdrawn or otherwise deleted from the list. Where a motion or amendment has been withdrawn, it is indicated in this section the day after it has been withdrawn. Support for motions and amendments received after they are lodged is shown at the end of this section the day after such support is received. Motions and amendments can be published with various symbols: Asterisks before the motion or amendment number indicate a motion or amendment published for the first time; Asterisks also identify alterations to the text of a motion or amendment made since it was first published; A hash symbol identifies motions eligible for debate at Members Business; A diamond symbol identifies motions lodged for Members Business that have not yet attracted the required cross-party support; An "R", identifies motions or amendments in which the Member who lodged it has a registrable interest. The Parliamentary Bureau periodically deletes motions or amendments not scheduled for debate and which are over six weeks old. A search facility is also available on the Scottish Parliament web site at Any questions in relation to this section should be directed to the Chamber Desk, for which contact details are provided at the end of the Bulletin. 27

28 New and altered motions and amendments *S4M Keith Brown: Winter Resilience That the Parliament welcomes the 2012 Ready for Winter public awareness campaign launched on 22 October in collaboration with the Red Cross, responder agencies and a wide range of partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors; commends the partners for their continuing long-term commitment to ensuring that Scotland is as prepared for severe weather as it can possibly be, and supports the activities taking place during Resilience Week, which emphasise that preparedness is essential, not just for winter, but for all kinds of severe weather, and highlight the simple steps that individuals, families, businesses and communities can take to prepare for this and other emergencies, all of which contribute to a more resilient Scotland. Supported by: Nicola Sturgeon* *S4M Alison Johnstone: Fair Access to Education for Looked-after Children That the Parliament recognises what it considers to be the continued good work of the Care Leavers Foundation and its initiatives such as National Care Leavers Week, which runs from 24 to 30 October 2012; commends the work and achievements of similar organisations in Scotland, such as Buttle UK and the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland, and their continued efforts in promoting and enhancing the rights of looked-after young people and care leavers; understands that 9 of Scotland s 17 universities have, or are working toward, the Buttle UK Quality Mark and encourages the others to aspire toward this; expresses dismay that, in its view, care leavers continue to be hugely under-represented in higher education, with just 2% of young people who enter higher education directly from high school coming from a looked-after background; endorses NUS Scotland s view that, while universities cannot do everything to achieve fair access, they can do a great deal more, especially for those from a looked-after background, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with all stakeholders to improve access to further and higher education by care leavers. *S4M Nigel Don: Death of Golden Eagle That the Parliament condemns what it sees as the recent brutal killing of a golden eagle in Glen Esk, Angus; considers that the golden eagle is one of Scotland s most iconic species and understands that 11 golden eagles have been illegally killed since 2007; notes also that 2013 will be the Year of Natural Scotland; urges the Police Service of Scotland to ensure that police officers have the training and resources required to tackle wildlife crime effectively; considers that golden eagles more than earn their keep by attracting tourism to rural Scotland, and asks the Scottish Government to assess what further measures it might take to protect what are considered these magnificent birds. Supported by: Bill Kidd*, Kevin Stewart*, Annabelle Ewing*, Hanzala Malik*, Kenneth Gibson* *S4M Roderick Campbell: Cairnie Fruit Farm FARMA Nomination That the Parliament congratulates Cairnie Fruit Farm on its nomination for best farm destination in the FARMA 2013 Farm Retail Awards; understands that the farm faces 28

29 competitors from Durham and Lincolnshire; appreciates that this nomination follows the accolade of best rural enterprise by the Scottish Countryside Alliance last year; understands that the farm is home to what is considered the famous Cairnie Mega Maze, which this year took the form of an athlete carrying a flaming torch in honour of the 2012 Olympics; wishes the farm the best of luck for the forthcoming award, and congratulates the owners of the family-run business, John and Cameron Laird, on what it considers to be an excellent tourist attraction and prosperous rural business in North East Fife. Supported by: Sandra White*, John Park*, Joan McAlpine*, Bill Kidd*, Annabelle Ewing*, Liz Smith*, James Kelly*, Kevin Stewart*, Stewart Stevenson* *S4M Bob Doris: The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence That the Parliament welcomes the impact on youth violence in Glasgow of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV); understands that CIRV is a multi-agency initiative that was established in 1998 and aims to reduce gang violence across the city by addressing it at gang level through self-referral sessions and providing social services, educational opportunities and career advice to help young people turn their lives around; believes that, since 2006, the number of youth offenders has decreased by 72% and that, over the last five years, there has been a 38% drop in the number of offences carried out by young people; recognises that the Scottish Government provided 1.4 million in initial funding for CIRV, and hopes that CIRV and other similar programmes that work to discourage gang violence and youth crimes continue what it sees as their success. *S4M Tavish Scott: Shetland Success in Food and Drink Awards That the Parliament congratulates Baltasound Hotel on being shortlisted in the Restaurant of the Year Award category, Shetland Livestock Marketing Group in the Best Marketing Initiative category and Böd Ayre Products Ltd in the Environment Award and Healthier Food and Drink Award category in the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2012 and considers that the awards, now in their eighth year, encourage food and drink businesses to be innovative and celebrate local excellence and, with some of the best natural produce in the world, showcase a wide range of products from internationally renowned companies to small innovative producers in the Highlands and Islands. *S4M Duncan McNeil: A Wider Lens That the Parliament notes the publication of the Demos report, A Wider Lens, a study about families facing multiple disadvantage in Scotland, commissioned by Quarriers as part of its Family Appeal; understands that the study analysed data from more than 28,000 Scottish households and found that lone parents with children are at the highest risk of experiencing multiple disadvantage and that households with children are also far more likely to experience more than four forms of disadvantage, and notes that Quarriers will use the findings in this report to promote the Quarriers Scotland s Family Appeal to support families across the country. Supported by: Iain Gray*, John Mason*, Drew Smith*, Hugh Henry*, David Stewart*, Hanzala Malik*, Anne McTaggart*, Graeme Pearson*, Kenneth Gibson*, Jim Eadie*, Jackie Baillie* 29

30 *S4M James Kelly: Crossroads Caring Scotland Blantyre Celebrates its 25th Anniversary That the Parliament offers its warmest congratulations to Crossroads Caring Scotland Blantyre, which is celebrating 25 years of providing what is considered vital support to unpaid carers throughout the South Lanarkshire area and beyond; understands that, as part of the celebrations, the charity held a Firewalk Challenge on 22 October 2012 with the money raised being used toward supporting carers and vulnerable people in the community; notes that it is estimated that one in five of Scotland s population will be a carer at some point in their life; believes that carers in Scotland provide care worth 7.6 billion every year; considers that carers have an essential role in communities across the country; commends the work and dedication of the members of the Blantyre team on what it sees as their determined efforts on behalf of carers, and wishes the entire team best wishes and continued success for the future. Supported by: Bob Doris*, Margaret McCulloch*, Anne McTaggart* *S4M Joan McAlpine: National Centre for Children s Literature That the Parliament congratulates the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, Dumfries, on receiving 45,000 from Creative Scotland and 219,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help progress plans to create a national centre for children s literature; understands that the centre is to be located in a restored Georgian townhouse whose gardens, an "enchanted land", were part of the inspiration for Peter Pan by JM Barrie; considers that these historical and literary connections are a source of pride for people in the Dumfries area and could generate considerable income in terms of cultural tourism; believes that the project could inspire new generations of children and young people to develop their creative imaginations through reading; considers that, although much work has already been done in restoring the site, there is still a long way to go, and wishes the trust well in fulfilling its vision. Supported by: Aileen McLeod*, Stewart Stevenson* *S4M Hugh Henry: Protection of Workers Bill That the Parliament congratulates the members and representatives of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) on the union s Freedom From Fear campaign, which it understands seeks to bring together employers, police and local authorities to tackle the scourge of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers; further applauds the work of all trade unions, including those in Renfrewshire, for running campaigns that seek to protect their members at work; believes that all public-facing workers are at risk of being assaulted and that around 80% of Scottish workers have interactions with the general public during their working day; welcomes the decrease in incidents against shopworkers, which it understands are now at less than half the 2004 levels; remains concerned that, in the last 12 months, incidents of violence and verbal assault against retail staff have increased by 83%, as recorded by the British Retail Consortium s Annual Retail Crime Survey; is appalled that, according to the survey, in every minute of every day another shopworker is assaulted, threatened or abused, and believes that all public-facing workers deserve the same level of protection as workers covered by the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act Supported by: Drew Smith* 30

31 *S4M Bill Walker: Improvements to Fife-Glasgow Bus Services That the Parliament welcomes the 4.4 million investment in Fife bus services, following Stagecoach s recent purchase of what it understands are nine luxury Plaxton Elite coaches for the Fife-Glasgow express network, in addition to five coaches for the Fife-Edinburgh service purchased over the last year; believes that this enhancement will particularly benefit disabled and older people and people commuting to work; understands that the coaches have an increased capacity of 65 leather seats and feature wheelchair lifts, CCTV, toilets and free wi-fi, and looks forward to similar improvements in services throughout Scotland. Supported by: Richard Lyle*, David Torrance*, Kenneth Gibson* *S4M *#* Claudia Beamish: Scotland s National Museum of Costume That the Parliament expresses concern at the proposed closure of the National Museum of Costume in Dumfries and Galloway; notes that the museum s operator, National Museums Scotland (NMS), is conducting an internal consultation on the proposal; understands that NMS has commented saying that it can no longer afford to operate the site due to the twin pressures of reduced public funding and reduced income associated with the recession; believes that the closure of this five-star rated tourist attraction, which provides nine jobs and attracts 15,000 visitors a year, would be detrimental to the tourism industry in Dumfries and Galloway, and considers that, to maximise the opportunities for people to engage with their culture, it is important that attractions showcasing Scotland s cultural heritage are located in communities across the country. Supported by: Jim Hume, Helen Eadie, Jackie Baillie, Patricia Ferguson, Bill Walker, Alex Fergusson, Margaret McDougall, Anne McTaggart, Mike MacKenzie* *S4M *#* Claudia Beamish: Bee Aware of National Honey Bee Day That the Parliament notes that 18 August 2012 was National Honey Bee Day; notes that this day aims to promote and advance beekeeping, educate the public about honey bees and beekeeping and make the public aware of the environmental concerns affecting honey bees; further notes that there were events across the UK, including at the Falls of Clyde, where visitors were given the opportunity to learn about the honey bee, find out about beekeeping, taste honey and see bees gathering nectar for their hive; recognises that honey bees are an essential agent of pollination for a range of plants that are in turn important parts of the eco-system; notes the recent research by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which estimated that honey bees are worth 43 million a year to the Scottish economy by pollinating crops such as strawberries and raspberries, and *would welcome* the planting of bee-friendly fauna such as lavender, bugle, coneflower and hebe, which, it understands, are more attractive to bees. Supported by: Bill Walker, Graeme Pearson, Sandra White, Iain Gray, Richard Lyle, Rob Gibson, Angus MacDonald, John Pentland, David Torrance, Drew Smith, Kenneth Gibson, Dave Thompson, Mike MacKenzie, Fiona McLeod, Jackie Baillie, Chic Brodie, Bill Kidd, Patrick Harvie, Margaret McDougall, Jean Urquhart, Joan McAlpine, Anne McTaggart, Nanette Milne, Aileen McLeod, Dennis Robertson, Liam McArthur, Sarah Boyack, Elaine Murray, Paul Wheelhouse, Mary Scanlon, Jim Eadie, Maureen Watt, Rhoda Grant, Richard Simpson 31

32 Motions and amendments which have attracted additional support S4M Weddings at Loch Lomond (lodged on 19 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie*, Anne McTaggart*, Jim Eadie*, Hanzala Malik*, Jamie McGrigor*, Dennis Robertson*, David Torrance*, Kevin Stewart* S4M The Role of the Media in Criminal Trials (lodged on 19 October 2012) Jenny Marra* S4M Restoration of the Falkland Wall (lodged on 18 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie*, Joan McAlpine*, Dennis Robertson*, Adam Ingram*, Bill Kidd*, Kevin Stewart* S4M Commemorative Service at Dumbarton Rock (lodged on 18 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie*, Dennis Robertson*, Bill Kidd*, David Torrance* S4M Remembering Carnoustie s Victoria Cross Winning Sons (lodged on 18 October 2012) Joan McAlpine*, Mike MacKenzie*, Gil Paterson*, Dennis Robertson*, Adam Ingram*, Bill Kidd*, David Torrance*, Bruce Crawford* S4M Parliament Welcomes the Historic Edinburgh Agreement (lodged on 18 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie* S4M Racism in Football (lodged on 18 October 2012) Rob Gibson*, Neil Findlay*, Jackie Baillie*, Mike MacKenzie*, Hanzala Malik*, George Adam*, Chic Brodie*, Nanette Milne*, Dave Thompson*, John Finnie*, Adam Ingram*, Sandra White*, Richard Lyle*, Kevin Stewart*, David Torrance*, John Park*, Roderick Campbell*, Patrick Harvie* S4M Angus Cardiac Group (lodged on 18 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie*, Dennis Robertson*, Adam Ingram*, Bill Kidd* S4M Woodfarm High School s 50th Anniversary (lodged on 17 October 2012) Mike MacKenzie*, Dennis Robertson*, Adam Ingram*, Bill Kidd* S4M Buddy Dogs (lodged on 16 October 2012) Elaine Smith* S4M Hemiplegia Awareness Week (lodged on 16 October 2012) Elaine Smith* S4M Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival (lodged on 16 October 2012) Elaine Smith*, Marco Biagi* S4M UK Government s Welfare Changes (lodged on 16 October 2012) Elaine Smith* S4M Glasgow City Council Increases the Living Wage (lodged on 15 October 2012) Elaine Smith* 32

33 S4M Honouring Malala Yousafzai (lodged on 11 October 2012) James Dornan*, Bill Kidd*, Jim Hume* S4M World Mental Health Awareness Day (lodged on 10 October 2012) Elaine Smith* S4M Scotland s Apprentice of the Year (lodged on 10 October 2012) Elaine Smith* S4M September 2012 Big Lottery Fund Awards in the Highlands and Islands (lodged on 09 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Being Taller is No Excuse (lodged on 09 October 2012) Alex Fergusson* S4M Mergers and Acquisitions (lodged on 08 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Time to Introduce Presumed Consent (lodged on 08 October 2012) Claudia Beamish* S4M Congratulations to John Paul Academy (lodged on 08 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Million for Cycling Infrastructure (lodged on 05 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Operation Myriad (lodged on 05 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Happy 21st to The Big Issue (lodged on 05 October 2012) Sandra White* S4M Caring for and Curing Boys and Men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (lodged on 07 September 2012) Marco Biagi* 33

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35 Affirmative instruments Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section H New Documents Subordinate Legislation The following instrument was laid before the Parliament on 22 October 2012 and is subject to the affirmative procedure Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013 [draft] laid under section 115 of, and paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 7 to, the Scotland Act 1998 Legislative Consent Memorandum The following memorandum was lodged on 22 October 2012 Kenny MacAskill: Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Statute Law (Repeals) Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (LCM(S4) 16.1) Other Documents The following document was laid before the Parliament on 22 October and is not subject to any Parliamentary procedure Registers of Scotland Annual Report and Accounts : SG/2012/216 laid under section 22(5) of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 Committee Reports For further information on accessing committee reports, please contact either the relevant clerk or webpage (see end of Bulletin for contact details or access general committee webpage) 35

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37 Business Bulletin: Tuesday 23 October 2012 Section J Progress of Legislation For further information on the progress of Bills and subordinate legislation, contact either the relevant clerk or webpage (see end of Bulletin for details). Bills in Progress A list of all Bills in progress can be accessed via the Scottish Parliament website at: For each Bill, the date of the next (or most recent) event in the Bill s passage is given. Other relevant information, e.g. about lodging amendments, is given in italics. As soon as a Public Bill (i.e. a Government, Committee or Member s Bill) has completed Stage 1, amendments for consideration at Stage 2 may be lodged; and as soon as Stage 2 is completed, amendments for Stage 3 consideration may be lodged. The last lodging day for amendments at Stage 2 is three sitting days before the meeting at which those amendments will be considered (e.g. Thursday for a meeting on Tuesday); at Stage 3 it is four days before. Amendments may be lodged until 4.30 pm on any sitting day, except on the last lodging day for Stage 2, when the deadline is 12 noon. A Hybrid Bill is subject to the same rules except in the case of Stage 2 where amendments for consideration may be lodged no earlier than the completion of any consideration of evidence at Stage 2. Amendments to Private Bills are subject to different deadlines. These are set out in Rule 9A.12 of Standing Orders. Members are advised to lodge amendments in good time before the beginning of a Stage and as early as possible during the day. (G) = Government Bill; (M) = Member s Bill; (C) = Committee Bill; (P) = Private Bill; (H) = Hybrid Bill. Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill (G) Introduced Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (G) Stage 1 (lead committee (Finance)) 3 October 24 October 37