Meeting of the Parliament 10 March 2016
We have tried to strike a balance that reflects the work of a constituency member. Certainly, if I am approached by a business that operates in my constituency or by someone who is a constituent of mine, I take that as something that I can deal with as a constituency member. The member should remember that the exemption will not apply to ministers.
Amendment 22 established an exemption in respect of any organisation that has fewer than 10 full-time-equivalent employees. A communication made on such an organisation’s own behalf will not require the organisation to register under the bill.
I hope that members will agree that the bill, as amended, achieves the aim that we set at the start of the process. I hope that everyone in the Parliament can get behind the bill.
The collaborative relationship between the Government, the Parliament and our stakeholders throughout the bill’s development is yet another example that supports the proud reputation of this Parliament and the Government for open engagement with civic Scotland. I commend the bill to the Parliament. I hope that members will support it at decision time.
I move,
That the Parliament agrees that the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill be passed.
15:58