Minutes: 18 May 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

2. Consideration of continued petitions:

The Committee considered the following continued petitions—

PE1804: Halt Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd's Air Traffic Management Strategy. The Committee took evidence from Inglis Lyon, Managing Director, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. The Committee agreed to consider the evidence heard at a future meeting.

PE1855: Pardon and memorialise those convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and Natalie Don MSP.

PE1860: New legislation for Prescription and Limitation Act. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

PE1895: Mandatory decision making for NatureScot's decision making procedures. The Committee agreed to write to NatureScot.

PE1905: Public inquiry into the response of religious organisations to allegations of child sexual abuse since 1950. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

PE1912: Funding for council venues. The Committee agreed to refer the petition to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.

PE1913: Fast-track future Adult Disability Payment applications for people undergoing cancer treatment. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Social Security Agency.

PE1917: Provide full legal aid to all parent's fighting for access to their children. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

PE1925: Bring the HGV speed limit on major trunk roads to 50mph in line with other parts of the UK. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders on the basis that the Scottish Government has confirmed that speed limits for HGVs are being included in the National Speed Management Review, and that Transport Scotland have indicated their willingness to engage directly with the petitioner on this matter.

3. Annual report (In Private):

The Committee agreed its 2021-22 Annual Report and to delegate authority to the Convener to finalise the text/format of the report and related communications. 

4. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee agreed its meeting schedule and to delegate authority to the Convener regarding the Committee's next meeting. The Committee also agreed proposals to improve the operation of the public petitions system.