Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, and welcome to the 34th meeting in 2023 of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. We have apologies from the convener, Edward Mountain. I welcome Brian Whittle, who is attending as his substitute.

The first item on our agenda is to decide whether to take in private agenda item 3, under which we will consider the evidence that we will hear from all the witnesses on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill under agenda item 2. Do members agree to take item 3 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

We have heard those points in previous evidence. We look forward to hearing your thoughts, particularly about reduction and repair.

Members have a lot of questions and we do not have enough time for everyone to answer every question, so I ask members to direct their questions to specific witnesses.

Thank you—those are important practical points for us to consider.

We will move on to specific questions on the circular economy targets. I hand over to Jackie Dunbar.

Yes, we would appreciate your thoughts on targets.

Thank you, Brian.

We will have some questions from Douglas Lumsden, before we move to a final couple from Mark Ruskell.

The extended producer responsibility, or EPR, is our next theme. Mark Ruskell has some questions on that.

Anna Larsson wants to come in on these issues, Mark.

Perhaps the witnesses can indicate whether they would like to come in on those questions.

Before Emma Hallett comes in, Mark Ruskell might want to ask an additional specific question.

Thank you. It is good that construction has been mentioned, as it is a significant aspect of these considerations.

Feja’s answer helpfully leads on to the questions from my colleague Jackie Dunbar.