Hansard

The Convener (Margaret Mitchell) Con

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the fourth meeting in 2011 of the Equal Opportunities Committee. I remind all those present that mobile phones and Blac...

The Convener Con

Amendment 10, in the name of Marlyn Glen, is in a group on its own.

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab

This issue was discussed quite widely in the committee’s evidence sessions. I understand that, as the minister said in his response, there is an assumption i...

Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab) Lab

I support amendment 10. If Scottish Women’s Aid and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have come together on an amendment, that creates qui...

The Minister for Housing and Communities (Alex Neil) SNP

I indicated at stage 1 that I would consider this issue further, since it was raised by witnesses including those from the Association of Chief Police Office...

Marlyn Glen Lab

I thank the minister for taking on board the points that have been made, and I am sure that the witnesses who were at the committee will take some reassuranc...

The Convener Con

Amendment 1, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendments 1A and 2.

Alex Neil SNP

As I indicated during the stage 1 debate, I have responded to members’ concerns regarding the examples in section 2(3), paragraphs (f) and (g). Amendment 1 m...

Marlyn Glen Lab

It is important to have clarity so that the protected person has the full protection of the courts and so that the court is empowered, regarding all sorts of...

The Convener Con

Amendment 3, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendment 4.

Alex Neil SNP

I lodged amendment 3 in light of the evidence that the committee received from ACPOS and Scottish Women’s Aid, which both identified the benefits of having a...

Marlyn Glen Lab

I appreciate the fact that the minister lodged amendment 3 in response to the concerns that were expressed.Amendment 3 agreed to.Amendment 4 moved—Alex Neil—...

The Convener Con

Amendment 5, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendments 6 to 8.

Alex Neil SNP

Guidance has been identified by the majority of those who gave evidence on the bill, as well as by committee members, as essential for the purposes of inform...

The Convener Con

Amendment 11, in the name of Elaine Smith, is in a group on its own.

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab) Lab

Amendment 11 replaces the term “equitable jurisdiction” with “nobile officium”. The suggestion comes from the Law Society of Scotland, which gave evidence to...

The Convener Con

Do members have any comments on amendment 11?

Hugh O’Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD) LD

I simply want to acknowledge Elaine Smith’s knowledge of Scots law and history and use of Latin.

Alex Neil SNP

The expression "equitable jurisdiction“ in section 12(2)(a) includes the nobile officium; however, it is important to point out that it also ensures that par...

Elaine Smith Lab

I am happy to withdraw the amendment at this stage, with the proviso that I might bring it back at stage 3 after considering further information on the matte...

The Convener Con

Amendment 9, in the name of the minister, is in a group on its own.

Alex Neil SNP

I made a commitment to Parliament to ensure best fit between this bill and the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, and amendment 9 does so by adding pro...

Christina McKelvie (Central Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I thank the minister for lodging amendment 9. As a member of the committee that oversaw the passage of the 2011 act, I remember that we were concerned about ...

The Convener Con

Do you wish to make any final comments, minister?

Alex Neil SNP

I simply endorse Christina McKelvie’s remarks. I hope that this very sensible amendment will have the full committee’s support.Amendment 9 agreed to.Sections...

The Convener Con

That ends stage 2 consideration of the bill. I thank the minister for his very positive response to the committee’s comments, as reflected in the amendments ...