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Hansard

Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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1999–2026
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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Welcome to this meeting of the Audit Committee to consider and report on the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill. May I remind members that stage 1 of the consideration of a bill has two parts. First, the general principles of the bill are considered and reported...
The Convener: SNP Committee
10 Jun 2008
Budget Process (Review)
We have heard a wide range of views on the purpose of budget scrutiny, both from those who designed the process and from people with experience of how it operates in practice. Issues such as institutionalised hard choices and big chunks of expenditure that remain unchallenged ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
20 Jan 2009
Budget (Scotland) (No 2) Bill: Stage 2
That ends stage 2 consideration of the bill. The Parliament has already agreed that stage 3 proceedings will take place on Wednesday, 28 January, and members might wish to note that the deadline for Scottish ministers to lodge stage 3 amendments is 4.30 pm on Thursday, 22 Janu...
The Convener: SNP Committee
26 Jan 2010
Budget (No 4) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends stage 2 consideration of the bill. Parliament has already agreed that stage 3 proceedings will take place on Wednesday 3 February 2010. Members might wish to note that the deadline for the Scottish ministers to lodge stage 3 amendments to the bill is therefore 4.30 p...
Andrew Welsh (Angus) (SNP): SNP Chamber
07 Jan 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Although the Finance Committee considers the financial implications of all legislation, the committee has never before been designated the lead committee on a bill since the establishment of the Parliament in 1999. In what is therefore a unique position for a convener of the F...
Andrew Welsh: SNP Chamber
07 Jan 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I want to make progress. Mr Rumbles can raise his point later in the debate. It is worth highlighting some of the specific concerns that were expressed in evidence to the committee.The list in schedule 3 contains all the parliamentary commissioners and the ombudsman. The commi...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
You raise an important point, but I suggest that it should be left until stage 2, and be raised as a possible amendment to the bill, which would allow it to be discussed properly. We are looking at the policy memorandum and the recommendations put forward by it. Your proposal ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
09 Nov 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
We have completed stage 2 of the bill as set out in standing orders. I congratulate the committee and the minister on the smooth transaction of business.If amendments have been made to the bill that substantially alter provisions conferring powers to make subordinate legislati...
Andrew Welsh (Angus) (SNP) SNP Chamber
26 Jan 2011
Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill: Stage 1
Before I turn to the detail of our report and recommendations, I will briefly outline some of the changes to this year’s budget process.The fact that the UK spending review was published only in October and that the Scottish Government’s budget was published in November meant ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
23 Jun 1999
Remit
We have to take advice from the National Audit Office, which has to gather the evidence. Reports take time as they must be done carefully, but we wish to begin work as quickly as possible and encourage reports being done as reasonably quickly as possible. The timetable and pro...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
You have raised an important point. Now that it is on record, the Scottish Executive can note your comments and I am sure that you will be able to raise the matter again at stage 2.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Brian, I direct your attention to paragraph 8(v) on page 9 of the policy memorandum. FIAG considered your point and shared some of your concerns.The paragraph says:"Auditors should be able to suggest what indicators might be appropriate for a specific policy objective but . . ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
That is impressive. Mr Johnston has put down some interesting markers for stage 2. I am sure that the minister will note those concerns. The Finance Committee is approaching the Procedures Committee with a view to amending standing orders to make the subordinate financial legi...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
We should compliment FIAG, which certainly did its work in producing 82 recommendations. It is clear that the Executive has responded to FIAG's work, which has eased our burden on consultation.The final stage is to make some decisions. Does the committee agree with the general...
The Convener (Mr Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
09 Nov 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
I bring the committee to order and welcome everybody to this meeting about part 2 of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill.I have received apologies from Andrew Wilson.I welcome the Minister for Finance, Jack McConnell, and his officials.Do members have copies ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
29 Jan 2008
Budget (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The first item on today's agenda is stage 2 consideration of the Budget (Scotland) Bill. As well as having copies of the bill, committee members will have a note from the clerk. I draw the committee's attention to two points in the paper: first, only a member of the Scottish G...
The Convener: SNP Committee
29 Jan 2008
Budget (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends our stage 2 consideration of the bill. I thank members for their input and for their consideration of these matters.
The Convener: SNP Committee
25 Nov 2008
Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill: Financial Memorandum
The bill relates to the flood risk management planning process, rather than flood risk measures. What will we get from the work and spending that are proposed? Is that the final stage, or merely the first stage of a programme? What will the end product be?
The Convener (Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
20 Jan 2009
Budget (Scotland) (No 2) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon and welcome to the Finance Committee's second meeting in 2009, in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. I ask all members and members of the public to turn off their mobile phones and pagers.The first agenda item is stage 2 consideration of the Budget (S...
The Convener: SNP Committee
01 Sep 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Item 2 is evidence taking on the bill at stage 1. As members know, although the Finance Committee has been designated as the lead committee on the bill, three other committees have been designated as secondary committees and will scrutinise sections of the bill that are releva...
The Convener (Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
08 Sep 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Good afternoon and welcome to the 19th meeting of the Finance Committee in 2009. I have received apologies from Jackie Baillie, who will join the proceedings later. I ask everyone to turn off mobile phones and pagers, please.Our first agenda item is the taking of evidence on t...
The Convener: SNP Committee
15 Sep 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Our next item is a continuation of evidence taking on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. Our first panel of witnesses comprises commentators with a wide range of experience and expertise. We have asked them to give evidence on the bill in the round. I welco...
The Convener: SNP Committee
22 Sep 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Item 2 is continuation of our evidence taking on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. Our first panel consists of only one witness—there were meant to be two. We welcome Michael Clancy, who is director of law reform at the Law Society of Scotland.I will begin...
The Convener: SNP Committee
29 Sep 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Item 2 is continuation of our evidence taking on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I welcome to the meeting our first panel of witnesses. Professor Lorne Crerar is the former chair of the independent review of regulation, audit, inspection and complaints h...
The Convener: SNP Committee
06 Oct 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Agenda item 2 is the continuation of evidence taking on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I welcome to the committee Martin Docherty, policy and research officer at West Dunbartonshire Council for Voluntary Services; Anne Houston, chief executive of Childr...
The Convener: SNP Committee
27 Oct 2009
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Item 2 is to conclude our programme of evidence taking on the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP, who is the member in charge of the bill. He is accompanied by Scottish Governm...
Mr Welsh: SNP Committee
23 Mar 2004
Prostitution Tolerance Zones (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
It is useful that it has been so, but I would like to ask about a more factual matter. As you will be aware, following the stage 1 debate on the previous bill during the first session of the Parliament, which might seem a long time ago, the Scottish Executive set up an expert ...
Mr Andrew Welsh (Angus) (SNP): SNP Chamber
17 Apr 2002
Housing Improvement Task Force
The theme of justice ran through Johann Lamont's speech and finds echoes in all parts of the chamber.Housing standards are fundamental to every man, woman and child, every day in Scotland. That is the true importance of the debate. Housing is and always has been one of the gre...
Andrew Welsh: SNP Chamber
23 Jan 2008
Budget (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Forgive me, but I am rather short of time. If I have time at the end of my speech I will be happy to take an intervention.We want to see full details of the proposed reporting and review process for the SOAs, as well as clarification of what will happen if local authorities do...
Andrew Welsh: SNP Chamber
23 Jan 2008
Budget (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
The Finance Committee has a hugely important role to play in parliamentary scrutiny. We have played that role in full this year and we will continue to build on our work in future years. I move amendment S3M-1176.1, to insert at end:"but, in so doing, recommends that the Scott...
The Convener (Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
26 Jan 2010
Budget (No 4) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon and welcome to the second meeting of the Finance Committee in 2010. I ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones and pagers.The first item on today's agenda is stage 2 of the Budget (No 4) (Scotland) Bill. As well as having copies of the bill, members will hav...
The Convener: SNP Committee
26 Jan 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Our next item is stage 2 consideration of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill. Now that the cabinet secretary's officials have taken their seats, I will move straight to consideration of amendments.
The Convener: SNP Committee
26 Jan 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That concludes day one of our stage 2 consideration.
The Convener (Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
02 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon and welcome to the third meeting in 2010 of the Finance Committee in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. I have received apologies from Tom McCabe; I welcome Lewis Macdonald, who is his substitute.I ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones and page...
The Convener: SNP Committee
02 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends our consideration of amendments on day 2 of stage 2 of the bill. I suspend the meeting.
The Convener (Andrew Welsh): SNP Committee
09 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon and welcome to the fourth meeting of the Finance Committee in 2010 in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. I have received apologies from Tom McCabe and, therefore, I welcome to the committee Lewis Macdonald, who is his substitute. I ask members and the...
The Convener: SNP Committee
09 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends the third day of stage 2 consideration of the bill. The target for the next day's consideration will be the end of part 6. I remind members that, although the February recess is next week, the deadline for lodging amendments is this Thursday, 11 February, at 12 noon.
The Convener (Andrew Welsh) SNP Committee
01 Feb 2011
Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon, and welcome to the fifth meeting of the Finance Committee in 2011 in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. The only item on today’s agenda is consideration of the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill at stage 2.I draw members’ attention to two procedural point...
The Convener SNP Committee
01 Feb 2011
Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill: Stage 2
That ends stage 2 consideration of the bill. I thank the cabinet secretary and committee members for their presence and contributions.Meeting closed at 14:23.
The Convener (Andrew Welsh) SNP Committee
23 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Good afternoon and welcome to the fifth meeting of the Finance Committee in 2010, in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. I have received apologies from Tom McCabe. I ask members and the public to turn off mobile phones and pagers, please—they interfere with the recor...
The Convener SNP Committee
23 Feb 2010
Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
That ends day 4 of stage 2 consideration of the bill. The target for the next day’s consideration will be the end of the bill. I remind members that the deadline for lodging amendments is 12 noon on Thursday 25 February.14:41 Meeting suspended. 14:44 On resuming—
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I have taken advice from the clerk and the answer is yes, in broad terms, but not in detail.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I remind members that, in the same way that the Finance Committee members were careful not to stray into our remit, we must respect theirs.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Where appropriate, yes, but we must take care.Can I have comments on the adequacy of public consultation?
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Is that generally agreed? It is.Is the committee satisfied with the general principle that there has been adequate public consultation on the bill? That is agreed.We now move to the policy memorandum. Are there any comments?
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
No problem. Please do.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Yes.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
That is correct.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
I certainly would not agree to the principle if that were not so. I share your view.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
It is probably assumed that we would represent Parliament, but I agree with you.Does the committee agree with the general principle that there should be a system of a named principal accountable officer, and other named accountable officers, of the Scottish Administration, and...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
No, they are in the Scottish Executive. We are clarifying who those people are who are answerable for the auditing of the accounts. They will be named people who can be brought before this committee and be made answerable for their actions.
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Does this committee agree with the general principle that a similar system of accountable officers be answerable to Parliament for the finances of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body? In other words, does the committee agree that the principle be extended to the SPCB? Th...
The Convener: SNP Committee
14 Sep 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
We are considering the general principles.
The Convener: SNP Committee
02 Nov 1999
Written Agreements (Scottish Executive)
I refer members of the committee to the draft agreement and the covering letter from the Executive and remind them that, in considering the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, this committee agreed to the proposal that ministers should direct the form...
The Convener: SNP Committee
02 Nov 1999
Future Meetings
Item 2 concerns future Audit Committee meetings. The paper sets out the dates of future meetings that have been agreed previously. The committee is being asked to agree dates for those meetings for which a date has not been fixed.The paper asks for the committee's agreement on...
The Convener: SNP Committee
02 Nov 1999
Future Meetings
The committee will meet at 2 pm on Tuesday 16 November to complete stage 2 consideration of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill. I ask you to note that Parliament has agreed a deadline for completion of 19 November. If it proves impossible to deal with all ou...
The Convener: SNP Committee
02 Nov 1999
Future Meetings
The committee will meet at 2 o'clock on Tuesday 23 November to consider the NAO report, "Emergency Planning for the Year 2000".Members will be pleased to hear that no meetings are scheduled for the week beginning 29 November.In the week beginning 7 December, we will deal with ...
The Convener: SNP Committee
09 Nov 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
I remind members that this is not a question and answer session. If questions are posed in a speech, I am sure the minister will want to respond to them. Annabel, you have asked a question. If you wish to continue your speech, you are welcome to do so.
The Convener: SNP Committee
09 Nov 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Excellently succinct.
The Convener: SNP Committee
09 Nov 1999
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
The question is, that amendment 16 be agreed to. Are we agreed?
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Committee

Audit Committee, 14 Sep 1999

14 Sep 1999 · S1 · Audit Committee
Item of business
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Welsh, Andrew SNP Angus Watch on SPTV
Welcome to this meeting of the Audit Committee to consider and report on the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill. May I remind members that stage 1 of the consideration of a bill has two parts. First, the general principles of the bill are considered and reported on by committees. Secondly, Parliament debates and agrees—or otherwise—those principles.The purpose of stage 1 is an overview of the bill, rather than a detailed examination of its principles. Members may wish, in general terms, to point to issues to which they intend to return at stage 2, but no amendments to the bill may be lodged until the completion of stage 1. I also point out that we cannot mention part 1 of the bill, as that is in the remit of our colleagues on the Finance Committee. Part 2 is dedicated to this committee.On a housekeeping note, we must take account of the views of our colleagues on the Finance Committee and on the Subordinate Legislation Committee. I am informed that their reports will be to hand shortly. I believe that at its meeting this morning the Finance Committee broadly welcomed the principles of the bill. I suggest that we request that the clerk draws together the comments of our colleagues on those committees and circulates them to us. That will allow us to complete this part of the process. Is that agreed? It is agreed.I propose to divide the meeting into three sections. First, I would like to consider whether there has been adequate public consultation. Secondly, I would like to allow detailed discussion on the principles of the policy memorandum and, thirdly, I would like to have a decision-making section.First, then, I ask for your comments on the adequacy of public consultation.

In the same item of business

The Convener: SNP
Welcome to this meeting of the Audit Committee to consider and report on the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill. May I remind members that sta...
Mr Nick Johnston (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): Con
I have a point of information. In your remarks, you said that we cannot discuss part 1, which is in the remit of the Finance Committee. Can we discuss the po...
The Convener: SNP
I have taken advice from the clerk and the answer is yes, in broad terms, but not in detail.
Mr Johnston: Con
In broad terms.
The Convener: SNP
I remind members that, in the same way that the Finance Committee members were careful not to stray into our remit, we must respect theirs.
Mr Johnston: Con
With respect, there are some things in part 1 that I think are in the remit of this committee. The Auditor General's salary is mentioned, for instance.
The Convener: SNP
Where appropriate, yes, but we must take care.Can I have comments on the adequacy of public consultation?
Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab): Lab
There has been full consultation through the financial issues advisory group process. Since then, the Executive has consulted further and some recommendation...
The Convener: SNP
Is that generally agreed? It is.Is the committee satisfied with the general principle that there has been adequate public consultation on the bill? That is a...
Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con): Con
I am looking at policy objectives and I have listened to your remarks about it not being within our remit to comment on part 1 of the bill. However, I am con...
The Convener: SNP
You have raised an important point. Now that it is on record, the Scottish Executive can note your comments and I am sure that you will be able to raise the ...
Miss Goldie: Con
I am grateful.
Brian Adam (North-East Scotland) (SNP): SNP
I understand the issue that Annabel Goldie raised about the separation of powers. However, it is unfortunate that, under devolution, we have made no progress...
The Convener: SNP
Brian, I direct your attention to paragraph 8(v) on page 9 of the policy memorandum. FIAG considered your point and shared some of your concerns.The paragrap...
Mr Johnston: Con
I am worried to find that I agree with many of Mr Adam's comments. I do not want to stray into specific areas of the legislation, but we should re-examine th...
The Convener: SNP
No problem. Please do.
Mr Johnston: Con
Paragraph 8(j) says:"The Budget Acts will set the Parliamentary controls at Departmental level".That would stop the transfer of funds between health and educ...
The Convener: SNP
That is impressive. Mr Johnston has put down some interesting markers for stage 2. I am sure that the minister will note those concerns. The Finance Committe...
Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): Lab
It is useful for the committee to have notice of issues that members want to explore. In general terms and on broad principle, the bill seems to have paid he...
The Convener: SNP
We should compliment FIAG, which certainly did its work in producing 82 recommendations. It is clear that the Executive has responded to FIAG's work, which h...
Miss Goldie: Con
What does "after consultation with Parliament" mean? Does it mean after detailed consultation with the Finance Committee and the Audit Committee?
The Convener: SNP
Yes.
Miss Goldie: Con
So we would be privy to the proposed layout of the accounts and have an opportunity to make clear our view?
The Convener: SNP
That is correct.
Miss Goldie: Con
Subject to that, I agree.
The Convener: SNP
I certainly would not agree to the principle if that were not so. I share your view.
Brian Adam: SNP
In order to clarify that point, perhaps it should read, "in consultation with Parliament and its committees". I agree with the point that Annabel was making,...
The Convener: SNP
It is probably assumed that we would represent Parliament, but I agree with you.Does the committee agree with the general principle that there should be a sy...
Miss Goldie: Con
I apologise if I am being tiresome, but could we return to the former point for which you sought approval? We are being asked to agree that there should be n...
The Convener: SNP
No, they are in the Scottish Executive. We are clarifying who those people are who are answerable for the auditing of the accounts. They will be named people...