Subordinate Legislation Committee

Contents

This year the Subordinate Legislation Committee has taken forward work on phase one of its inquiry into the regulatory framework in Scotland. In June 2004 the committee published its consultation paper and received 46 responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals.

Building on these responses, the committee took targeted oral evidence from a number of organisations and Scottish Executive agencies to explore in more detail the issues raised. The oral evidence programme was completed in April 2005 when the committee heard evidence from Margaret Curran MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business.

A committee delegation visited the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff to meet members of its legislation committee in July 2004. The delegation observed the operation of the Assembly's scrutiny procedures and had the opportunity to discuss issues raised by its inquiry.

The Subordinate Legislation Committee has continued its scrutiny of statutory instruments, working to tight timescales in its consideration of subordinate legislation, and usually producing at least one report per week during periods when the Parliament is sitting. It has continued its examination of delegated powers in bills and this year considered 11 bills at Stage 1 and 9 bills as amended at Stage 2. The committee also conducted its first scrutiny of delegated powers in a private bill when it considered the Edinburgh Tram (Line One)and (Line Two) Bills.

Private Bill Committees