Chamber and committees

Thanks very much for coming in to talk to us today. The evidence so far has been very interesting.

I would like to understand a bit more about what happens during a day at the track. When you go there, how many races take place?

Thanks for that. You said that there could be 12 races at Newcastle and fewer at Thornton. I will pick up on Elena Whitham’s question and your replies about experiences with the vet. In the course of a race day, how many injuries might you see? Have you ever seen a fatality in a race?

I hear your passion for what you do, but do you feel satisfied with the dogs under your care, which you clearly love, being exposed to fatalities and injuries?

Pam Gosal, please wind up and press or withdraw amendment 3.

The next group is on consultation by ministers and local authorities. Amendment 4, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendments 7, 40, 41, 43, 44, 8, 47, 48, 12, 13, 49 and 14.

The second item on our agenda is a declaration of interests. I invite Gordon MacDonald to declare any relevant interests.

Thank you very much.

The next item on our agenda is stage 2 of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill. We are joined by the Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, Tom Arthur, and Scottish Government officials. Ben Haynes is the bill team leader, Laura Wilkinson is from the legal directorate and Ian Shanks is from the parliamentary counsel office. I welcome the minister and his officials to the meeting. I also welcome Stuart McMillan MSP, Liam McArthur MSP, Daniel Johnson MSP, Jeremy Balfour MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP. We expect Neil Bibby to join us shortly. I thank all of you for attending the committee for this agenda item.

Sections 1 to 3 agreed to.

Section 4—Meaning of overnight accommodation

The next group is on exemptions. Amendment 37, in the name of Miles Briggs, is grouped with amendment 19.

Amendment 42, in the name of Miles Briggs, has already been debated with amendment 3.