Chamber and committees

I call Sarah Boyack—I am sorry that I did not bring you back in earlier.

I open with a question about criticism of the decision to delay the census. The committee has since heard a lot of evidence about it not being reasonable to compare National Records of Scotland with the UK Statistics Authority in terms of capacity, budget and where they were in their analysis of the data. Now that we have a better understanding of that, are you content that it was the right decision to make for the quality of the census?

I think that Mr Whitehouse wants to come in.

Mr Lowe, if you could raise your hand if you want to come in; I can see you on screen.

I move to questions from members.

As Jenni Minto mentioned you in her question, Janet, we will come to you next.

That is really interesting. I have seen the Parkinson’s project—a dance company came from New York. It is about the confidence that being able to move freely gives Parkinson’s patients. It is quite profound to see that in action.

Thank you. We have run out of time with this panel. We have another panel immediately after this. I thank the witnesses very much for attending and for their written and oral evidence. It has been profound.

I suspend the meeting to onboard new witnesses.

The next item is to continue to take evidence on Scotland’s census. I welcome Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture; Paul Lowe, registrar general from National Records of Scotland; Pete Whitehouse, director of statistical services from National Records of Scotland; and Penelope Cooper, director of culture and major events at the Scottish Government.

I invite the cabinet secretary to make a brief opening statement.

Jim Hollington wants to come in.

I will bring in Kirsty Cumming, and then Jenni Minto has a supplementary question on this area.