Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 16 April 2024
16 Apr 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Automated Vehicles Bill
That is the point. It is about where the dividing line is, where scrutiny is needed and whether the UK Government and the Scottish Government agree in relation to autonomous vehicles.
The potential for unintended consequences has been discussed in other contexts—for example, in relation to accessibility and the impact on taxi services from an employment perspective. The committee is glad that consideration has been given to the potential for unintended consequences in what is a developing area. We encourage constructive and effective engagement between both Governments to further minimise the risk of any conflict.
Although there have been disagreements in relation to the drafting of the bill, I hope that we will see effective co-operation when it comes to its implementation, to ensure that there is a fair and clear system for everyone.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-12834, in the name of Jim Fairlie, which is a legislative consent motion on the Automated Vehicles Bill, ...
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could give the response of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee first if that would be helpful.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I appreciate that, Mr Mountain.
Edward Mountain
Con
I see that the minister has now come in.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I will allow the minister to begin his speech after he has apologised to the Parliament. As I was saying, the next item of business is a debate on motion S6...
The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie)
SNP
First of all, I offer my apologies, Presiding Officer: I misjudged what I was about to do. I offer my sincere apologies to you and to the Parliament. Thank y...
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
Jim Fairlie
SNP
If the member allows me to finish this point, I will come back to him. However, the Scottish Government recommends withholding consent to clause 50 because ...
Graham Simpson
Con
I thank the minister for taking the intervention. I think that I heard him say that UK ministers had asked to meet about clause 50. If I heard him right, can...
Jim Fairlie
SNP
The Scottish Government does not have a date from the UK Government, so we are still waiting for that meeting to be arranged. I will return to the point tha...
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I am pleased to speak in this debate as convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. I draw members’ attention to the committee’s report on the ...
Jim Fairlie
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Edward Mountain
Con
I will take an intervention. However, I am limited in what I can say.
Jim Fairlie
SNP
I want to clarify a point. Edward Mountain talks about a question being raised about a two-tier system. That was not the point that the Scottish Government r...
Edward Mountain
Con
That is the point. It is about where the dividing line is, where scrutiny is needed and whether the UK Government and the Scottish Government agree in relati...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Graham Simpson, who has up to five minutes. 17:14
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
I assure members that I will take nothing like five minutes to deal with this matter, so we may have an earlier decision time. Given the debate so far, it...
Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP)
SNP
It might interest the member to know that one of the reasons why it is so difficult for committees such as the one on which I serve to hear a perspective fro...
Graham Simpson
Con
In this case, I am not even sure that the UK Government was asked for its opinion. That gives parliamentarians in the Scottish Parliament a problem, because...
Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
I am pleased to speak on behalf of Scottish Labour in this debate on the Automated Vehicles Bill, and I am grateful for the work that the two committees have...
Jim Fairlie
SNP
As we draw today’s deliberations to a close, I thank members from across the chamber for their contributions to the debate. I reiterate that UK ministers hav...