Chamber and committees

I will bring in Alexander Burnett, who I think will follow up on some of those issues. I share the minister’s concerns about the situation that we are in since leaving the EU, but it is the new reality, and the Scottish economy must respond to it. Therefore, we must focus on skills and having a sustainable and resilient supply chain.

Please go ahead, Mr Murray.

No members have indicated that they wish to speak in the debate on the motion. I think that members were content with the question-and-answer session.

Motion agreed to.

We move to agenda item 5, which is consideration of a further SSI. The committee is invited to note SSI 2021/465. The purpose of the instrument is to set out the authorities, as per section 9(6) of the Consumer Scotland Act 2020, who are designated as regulators from whom Consumer Scotland can require information related to its functions. I invite members to note the instrument.

Members indicated agreement.

I have a final question for clarification. Does the cabinet secretary expect the medium-term financial strategy to revert to its normal publication date of May 2022?

You mentioned marketing. I see that there has been a real-terms reduction in VisitScotland’s resource budget in the coming year. That is of concern, as it is the main marketing body. I know that a number of members want to come in on that issue.

I will now move to Alexander Burnett.

Thank you, minister. I now move the meeting into private?session.

Yes, please, if you want to. Your connection is a bit poor, but I think we can hear you well enough.

That is fine—go ahead. Keep it brief, but go ahead.