Seòmar agus comataidhean

I can remember at least half a dozen without even thinking about it, so I do not think that it is a small percentage. If the total number of NDPBs is 40-odd, that makes it 10 per cent or more, which I would call significant.

The question is whether the issue has been recognised by the Government and, if so, whether it is taking steps to do something about it. There is no indication of that in the report. How do we take the issue forward? How do we emphasise it? Should we be investigating it? Should we be really focused on it and driving forward with it? There seems to be a real issue, here.

I will put you on the spot a little bit. You have obviously recognised the issues and problems that repeatedly arise. What communications have you had with the Scottish Government, other than through the section 22 reports? What relationship do you have with the Government? What communications have you had with the Government to put forward your concerns and get it to understand and take them on board, and take action?

On the confusion of roles by the previous convener, should the role of convener have been clear to that person? Was it laid out in such a way that there should not have been any ambiguity when it came to the issues that are listed in the report?

A secondment is one thing; simply recruiting somebody under the same terms and conditions as the Scottish Government is another.

That makes a significant difference. Would even that cause a blurring of relationships?

Okay. Perhaps the Auditor General can provide the committee with clarification when he can.

It would be good to see the figure. I realise that the period was one of extreme urgency and that the PPE had to be acquired to protect lives.

Your briefing also says that the 48 PPE hubs were to be in place

“until the end of June 2021”,

and that the Scottish Government and NHS NSS were “considering future arrangements”. Do you have any idea what those future arrangements might be?

Other than the fact that the Government is still evaluating its forward plans, was there a specific reason why it decided to continue to support private providers?

Paragraph 87 of the section 22 report says:

“NHS NSS has committed to ensuring retrospective contract approval and monitoring this through its established governance group.”

How is that progressing, particularly in respect of the contracts that are described and the issues raised about them?

Community Justice Scotland has highlighted some areas, as has the Auditor General. There seems to be a problem that must be addressed. Community Justice Scotland has the powers. I am not asking for it to be draconian, but if going behind the scenes, having a wee chat to people and trying to usher them down a particular path is not working—and it demonstrably seems not to be working—action needs be taken.