Minutes: 09 February 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 2, 3 and 4 in private.

2. Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1. The Committee agreed:

• initial witness panels for oral evidence taking;
• its engagement and media plans for a Call for Views/Your Priorities;
• to undertake a fact-finding visit;
• to hold a discussion, in private, at the end of each meeting on the oral evidence heard;
• to consider any further approaches to the scrutiny of the Bill, and all draft reports on the Bill in private; and
• under Standing Order Rule 12.4.3, to delegate to the Convener responsibility for arranging to pay expenses to witnesses which may arise under the SPCB witness expense scheme.

3. Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill: (in private):

The Committee considered and agreed its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1.

4. Review of evidence (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard during previous evidence sessions on violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and the prosecution of rape and other sexual offences. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, the Lord Advocate and Police Scotland.