Minutes: 14 January 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private.

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following— 

Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following— 

Bread and Flour Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2024 (SSI 2024/387)

4. Framework legislation and Henry VIII powers:

The Committee took evidence from—

Rosemary Agnew, Ombudsman, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman;

Lloyd Austin, Convener of the Governance Group, Scottish Environment LINK ;

Jonnie Hall, Deputy CEO & Director of Policy, National Farmers Union Scotland;

Adam Stachura, Associate Director for Policy, Communications and External Affairs, Age Scotland;

and then from—

Michael Clancy, Director of Law Reform, Law Society of Scotland;

Vicky Crichton, Director of Public Policy, Scottish Legal Complaints Commission;

Kay Springham KC, Faculty of Advocates.

5. Data (Use and Access) Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence conferred on Scottish Ministers and UK Ministers in the Bill. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Economy and Fair Work Committee.

6. Framework legislation and Henry VIII powers (in private):

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