Minutes: 21 February 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024 (SSI 2024/31) from—

Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety and Jim Wilson, Licensing Team Leader, Criminal Justice Division, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

Christine Grahame moved—

S6M-12106—That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024 (SSI 2024/31) be annulled.

After debate, the motion was disagreed to (by division: For 0, Against 8, Abstentions 0). 

4. Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee considered the legislative consent memorandum lodged by Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs (LCM(S6)40). The Committee agreed that the Scottish Parliament should give its consent to the relevant provisions in the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill as set out in the Scottish Government’s draft motion.

5. Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1. The Committee agreed to hold a discussion, in private, at the end of each meeting on the oral evidence heard, to consider any further approaches to the scrutiny of the Bill, and all draft reports on the Bill in private and under Standing Order Rule 12.4.3, to delegate to the Convener responsibility for arranging to pay expenses to witnesses which may arise under the SPCB witness expense scheme.

6. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered a key issues paper.