Hansard

I, too, thank the clerks and the lawyers who have given us immense support on these very complex and technical changes, to which we have given substantial consideration.

I highlight an issue that is distinct from those that were outlined by the convener—the role of the Presiding Officer in relation to financial resolutions. As a starting point, it was clear to the committee that, to ensure political impartiality, the most appropriate individual to determine the potential cost of amendments is the Presiding Officer. The rule changes seek to make clear the role of the Presiding Officer in assessing whether a bill requires a financial resolution, whether amendments are cost bearing and, if so, whether an amendment is sufficiently expensive to trigger the need for a financial resolution.

The committee acknowledges the issues that were raised in its consultation in relation to the difficulties that are associated with assessing costs. Those include the likelihood of a number of estimates being put forward, including estimates from the Government, the member who has lodged the amendment and parliamentary officials. It is unavoidable that assessing the cost of policies behind amendments is likely, to some degree, to be speculative and subjective. The committee wishes to put on record that the Presiding Officer is in a difficult position in the circumstances, being required to place a specific cost on each cost-bearing amendment when a number of suggested estimates offer notably different figures. However, it is difficult to conceive of an approach to legislation that allows cost-bearing amendments to be debated and agreed to, but which also ensures that the Parliament legislates with the necessary financial thresholds without placing a value on the overall cost of the bill, the threshold for significant expenditure and each cumulative cost-bearing amendment.

The committee considers that the changes that are proposed to the rules will ensure that the functions that are required of the Presiding Officer are underpinned by the standing orders. I support the motion in the name of the convener and hope that it will receive the support of the Parliament at decision time this evening.