Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee 27 May 2025
Item 3 is consideration of two draft statutory instruments. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee raised points in relation to both instruments. In relation to the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Amendment Regulations 2025, it has reported a defective drafting issue under reporting ground (i) and seven issues under the general reporting ground.
In relation to the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Designation of Scheme Administrator) Order 2025, the DPLR Committee has reported one issue of defective drafting under reporting ground (i), one issue where the meaning should be clearer under reporting ground (h) and two issues under the general reporting ground.
The Scottish Government has committed to corrective action on most of those points. Further detail is set out in the clerk’s note on the instruments and, of course, in the DPLR Committee’s report.
I welcome back to the committee Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, and her supporting officials for this item: Giles Hendry, policy officer, deposit return scheme; Ailsa Heine, solicitor; and Haydn Thomas, producer responsibility unit head.
The instruments are laid under the affirmative procedure, which means that they cannot come into force unless the Parliament approves them. Following this evidence session, the committee will be invited to consider two motions recommending that the instruments be approved. I remind everyone that Scottish Government officials can speak under this item but not in the debate that follows under the next item.
I invite the acting cabinet secretary to make a short opening statement.