Minutes: 07 December 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 8 in private.

2. Inquiry into use of the made affirmative procedure during the coronavirus pandemic:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Ruth Fox, Director, Hansard Society;

Morag Ross QC, Faculty of Advocates.

3. European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018:

The Committee agreed that the following instrument had been laid under the appropriate procedure—

Animal Products (Transitional Import Conditions) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/432)

It however considered that the categorisation should be of medium, rather than low, significance.

The Committee also agreed to write to the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee to highlight points raised during its discussion.

4. Instruments subject to made affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 7) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/425)
Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 8) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/440)
Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 9) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/441)
Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 10) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/443)

In relation to SSI 2021/425, the Committee agreed to write to the Covid-19 Recovery Committee to highlight correspondence with the Scottish Government.

5. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 (SSI 2021/Draft)
Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 (SSI 2021/Draft)

6. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed to bring to the attention of the Parliament the following—

Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/438)

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Scottish Road Works Commissioner (Imposition of Penalties) Amendment Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/431)
Animal Products (Transitional Import Conditions) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/432)
Social Security Administration and Tribunal Membership (Scotland) Act 2020 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/442 (C.31))

7. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/428 (C.30))

8. Inquiry into use of the made affirmative procedure during the coronavirus pandemic (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting.