Chamber and committees

Do you mean the Government guidance?

Thank you. My time for questions is passing—it is amazing how quickly time goes, even though 10 minutes seems like a long time—so I will now ask the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service witnesses to answer one or two questions.

Ross Haggart, as you know, other members and I have raised the issue of decontamination facilities. I understand at least the basics of the difference between the revenue and capital budgets. What progress will we be able to make with regard to getting shower facilities and other required facilities to keep fire and rescue officers safe? Do you have concerns about your ability to do that?

That was helpful. Delays in the High Court and the law on 140 days are long-standing issues for me, and in answer to Donald Cameron, you said that you do not see it reaching pre-pandemic levels. Is there a target that you are aiming for?

Finally, Stephen McGowan, what is needed to prevent losing the 200 people from the service that you mentioned to Katy Clark? Did you mention a figure?

I understand that you are concerned.

Based on an assumption from what we have just heard from David Page, I also have a concern about the cadet programme. Is it likely that you will have to reduce recruitment of new cadets or new police officers?

Yes, but they cost a fortune. Okay, what you are saying is that the investment will be different—

Why 2 per cent?

Over what period would that be?

That is pretty stark, is it not? The committee has previously heard the projections on retirement numbers, given the pension changes. I take it that that is still on-going as well.

Thank you very much; that is helpful.

DCC Connors, given what we have heard this morning, you must be concerned about the reputation of the Scottish police force. It is fair to say—I have said it in my 19-year career—that Scotland has had an exemplary force. We do things differently here, and there are many examples of that, including the 101 service. As the leadership of the police organisation, do you have concerns about that?