Chamber and committees

Is the committee content with the instrument?

Members indicated agreement.

Under agenda item 2, we are considering two instruments, on which no points have been raised.

The draft regulations on the surrender of offensive weapons were relaid by the Scottish Government following questions by the committee. The error that the committee highlighted was resolved in the version that is before us this morning.

Mr Simpson wants to comment.

Is the committee content with the explanation that the Scottish Government has provided for the breach of the laying requirements?

Members indicated agreement.

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.

The instrument amends the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/168) by extending the categories of individuals to whom an exempted question may be asked for the purpose of an enhanced criminal record certificate. That applies to individuals who are seeking to provide accommodation in relation to the homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, whether or not they reside in the accommodation themselves.

The instrument was laid on 6 May 2022 and came into force on 12 May. It therefore breaches the 28-day rule in section 28(2) of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. In correspondence with the Presiding Officer, the Scottish Government explained that a breach of the laying requirements had been necessary to ensure that the safeguarding system that is in place is suitable. It also ensures that the appropriate level of checks can be undertaken in advance of matching taking place, given the number of people due to arrive in Scotland in a very short timescale.

Does the committee wish to draw the instrument to the attention of the Parliament on reporting ground (j), for failure to comply with laying requirements?

Members indicated agreement.

Good morning, and welcome to the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee’s 16th meeting in 2022. Before we move to the first item on the agenda, I remind everyone present to switch mobile phones to silent.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take item 5 in private. Is the committee content to take that item in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Also under this agenda item, no points have been raised on the following instruments.

Under agenda item 4, we are considering an instrument not subject to parliamentary procedure, on which no points have been raised.