Hansard

::The bureau puts a great deal of thought into the scheduling of business. The challenges around accommodating all of the wide variety of business that has to be fitted into the closing weeks of this parliamentary session are acute—as demonstrated by the fact that four stage 1 proceedings are taking place next week, not to mention Opposition business.

In making that work, we seek to treat all aspects of business appropriately and fairly and, wherever possible, accommodate the reasonable asks of our committees. In two instances in recent weeks, we have acceded to requests from the Criminal Justice Committee in relation to the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill. The first involved extending the stage 1 deadline by a fortnight in order to help committee members to agree their report. The second came yesterday, when the committee convener asked for additional time next Tuesday to discuss the bill at stage 1 in the chamber.

For the benefit of members, I should say that business managers agreed unanimously to extend the time allowed for that debate, which has now been extended by 40 minutes to two hours, as is covered by the business motion that is before us. I am surprised to hear the contribution of Pam Gosal because, I reiterate, that was a unanimous decision by the bureau.

By any reasonable judgment, the bureau has been extremely accommodating, recognising the interests of members in the bill and the varying opinions on its merits. It seems, however, that reasonableness only cuts one way—at least when it comes to the member in charge of the bill. She, too, sought an extension to the time for debating the bill. As I noted, the bureau granted that. However, tonight, in challenging the business motion, Ash Regan not only wants even more time to be set aside but seeks to direct how the business of this Parliament should be ordered on Tuesday.

At times, decisions taken by business managers can frustrate colleagues. However, I would hope that it is acknowledged that, when it comes to scheduling business, we do so fairly and equitably. Therefore, I ask members to support the business motion, which provides the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 with more than a fair hearing, and to reject the amendment.