Minutes: 24 October 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 to 8 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the National Health Service (General Dental Services) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 from—

Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, Tom Ferris, Chief Dental Officer, Ailsa Garland, Principal Legal Officer and Tim McDonnell, Director of Primary Care, Scottish Government.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments— National Health Service (General Dental Services) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023
Health and Care Professions Council (Miscellaneous Amendment) Rules Order of Council 2023

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

4. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Eddie Follan, Chief Officer, Health and Social Care, COSLA;

Eddie Fraser, Chief Executive, East Ayrshire Council, SOLACE Scotland;

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Health and Social Care Scotland Chief Officers.

Tess White declared an interest as Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

5. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 4.

6. Pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25:

The Committee considered and agreed a draft letter to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.

7. Vaping:

The Committee considered and agreed its approach to scrutiny.

8. Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1, subject to the Committee being designated as the lead Committee. A draft call for written evidence was agreed to, and the Committee agreed to publish a written statement on the handling of information and evidence as part of its approach to scrutiny.

Gillian Mackay did not participate in this item by virtue of Rule 9.13A.2(b).