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I would be grateful if the witnesses would outline their views on the actual extent of the misuse of fireworks in Scotland and whether they think that the legislation is a disproportionate response, because the committee has received a number of submissions suggesting that this level of action is not required. I start by asking Nicola Robison for her response to that point.

That is helpful. Julie Whitelaw, do you feel that the legislation is proportionate given the actual extent of the misuse of fireworks?

The Fire Brigades Union speaks about a number of injuries to its members. To what extent are the injuries associated with some of those incidents?

When you are further ahead with your thinking, will you share information with the committee, perhaps in writing, if you cannot share more information now?

That is right—the question is for Police Scotland. What approach will it take to the import of fireworks? The most obvious example is that people could buy fireworks in England and bring them over the border.

Thank you for that. I put the same question to David MacKenzie. Could you outline your views on the actual extent of the misuse of fireworks and on whether the proposed legislation is proportionate from your perspective?

How would you quantify the current extent of the misuse of fireworks? How much of a problem is it?

I have a question for Mr Hamilton, who has already commented on the fee and has rightly pointed out that fireworks are not being completely banned.

Does you agree that the fee—and the level of the fee—could be seen as pricing the majority of firework users out of using and enjoying fireworks responsibly?

I associate myself with the procedure points that have been made. In relation to the substantive issues, we took evidence on political oversight from the cabinet secretary, and it is important that we put on record that we expect a high level of oversight both by ministers and by the Scottish Prison Service. Obviously, the instrument has given, and is giving, governors significant powers, and it is important that those powers are used with consistency and that they are proportionate and necessary. It would be helpful if the committee could put on record the importance of political oversight—particularly the role of politicians in ensuring that the decisions that they make are consistent and proportionate. I include the committee in that. Picking up on the point that Collette Stevenson made, I suggest that the committee should be kept regularly advised of the decisions that are taken so that we, too, are able to give that political oversight.

Perhaps it is about the kind of groups that are being asked to pay the fee.