Minutes: 29 September 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. Economic recovery:

Colin Beattie declared an interest as a trustee director of the National Mining Museum of Scotland.

The Committee took evidence from—

Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Gary Gillespie,Chief Economist, Helena Gray, Interim Director Fair Work, Employability and Skills and Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development , Scottish Government .

3. Professional Qualifications Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee took evidence on legislative consent memorandum LCM-S6-3 on the UK Parliament Professional Qualifications Bill from—

Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Richard Shearer, Head of Services Trade Policy and David Maclennan, Solicitor, Scottish Government.

4. Evidence Session:

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting and agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary seeking further information and to consider a pre-budget letter in private at a future meeting.

5. Professional Qualifications Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting and agreed to consider a draft report in private at a future meeting.

6. Work programme:

The Committee discussed its work programme, considered an inquiry approach paper and made a number of suggestions. The Committee delegated final sign-off to the Convener and Deputy Convener.