Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you for that really interesting response.

I open the questioning up to other committee members, starting with Katy Clark.

Thanks very much. That was helpful.

Russell Findlay has a question on the voluntary provision of biometric data.

We have five minutes or so left. I will bring in Rona Mackay and Collette Stevenson, and then we will come to a close.

Yes. That is very helpful. It gives us a context and the backdrop to how the principles were developed.

It is fine to have principles and ethical considerations in the code of practice, but I am interested in how compliance with the code will be monitored in future. For instance, will there be a continual monitoring and reporting process with the relevant policing bodies, or is there another process that you feel will work best for the monitoring role?

Did you want to come in here, Jamie?

I will bring the session to a close in about 15 minutes, and we still have a few things to get through, so please make questions and responses a wee bit succinct.

I am pleased to welcome Dr Brian Plastow, in his first appearance before us as Scottish Biometrics Commissioner, to talk about his first draft code of practice on the acquisition, retention, use and destruction of biometric data for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland. I refer members to papers 1 and 2 and I invite Dr Plastow to make some opening remarks.

There will be a division.

For

Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab)
Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con)
Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con)
McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab)

Against

MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)
Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP)

The result of the division is: For 4, Against 4, Abstentions 0. There is an equality of votes. Therefore, as convener, I will use my casting vote to vote against the amendment.

Amendment 1024 disagreed to.

Amendment 1025 moved—[Graham Simpson].

The question is, that amendment 1025 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.