Seòmar agus comataidhean

Was that noise an indication that Peter Bain is getting a raise in his wages because of what he said? [Laughter.]

Liam Kerr is William as well: maybe that is where that came from. Anyway, Bill Kidd here.

I am aware that the convener has said that we are a wee bit short of time.

I have a couple of quick questions on the chief inspector of education. We already have an inspection regime. What will be the purpose of changing it for the future?

Thank you for being here, cabinet secretary, and thank you to your team. To what degree is the culture in an organisation dependent on its structures? Alternatively, how much is it dependent on the leadership? Are you confident that structural changes alone will bring about the desired changes to the organisational culture in the SQA?

Okay, so legislation will enhance the independence of the post and of the person who fills that post.

That is quite reasonable and rational. It is the organisation itself and who makes up that organisation that is the way forward.

No, you can’t.

Great. That explains that.

I am going to have to read this, because it is a wee bit complex. What is the timescale for the expected UK-level subordinate legislation that is required for the chief inspector to be designated an office holder in the Scottish Administration?

That is very clear. Thank you.

I thank the witnesses very much for the breadth of evidence that they have given us already. I will ask a relatively simple question—although the end result may not be simple.

Why is it important that the bill should refer to “children”, rather than “learners”? We know that there are people other than children who learn over the course of their lives. Why should children specifically be targeted?