Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 03 March 2026 [Draft]
03 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Business Motion
The challenge is that an incredible level of discourtesy has been shown towards the committee by others outside this place. Given the discussions that we have had about the challenges that sometimes exist in getting witnesses to this place, does the minister envisage that the environment will perhaps change in the next session and that the requirement to attend committees may become much higher? In the past, committees have accepted it where people have been unable to attend, but this level of discourtesy from such an important a witness raises the question of how we can ensure attendance at our committees.
In the same item of business
14:04
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20965, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to busi...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Edward Mountain.14:05
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I do not want to speak against the motion, but I want to speak about the fact that it has caused some confusion and some issues regarding the Net Zero, Energ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call the minister to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau.14:08
The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans (Graeme Dey)
SNP
I understand Mr Mountain’s frustration on behalf of his committee if witnesses call off at short notice. As we have just heard, and as we are all aware, the ...
Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
The challenge is that an incredible level of discourtesy has been shown towards the committee by others outside this place. Given the discussions that we hav...
Graeme Dey
SNP
That will be a matter for the next Parliament and its committees. It is not for the Government to have a view on that. However, I recognise the frustration t...