Chamber and committees

No, I understand that. It is a mystery.

My question is very much along the same line as Jamie Greene’s. I seek a wee bit of clarification, because the issue is quite difficult to follow. I thank John Watt for the explanation, but I am trying to get my head round how the process works, and it is quite difficult. Are you saying that, at the moment, the board basically has the ability to change its mind and revoke a decision on temporary release and that, if the bill comes into force, you will not have that?

What is the average length of time—if there is one—for temporary release?

Mr Watt, do you have a different view?

Those are the three that we heard mentioned. I did not know whether there was a trial period or whether the process was set to continue.

Does the bill change any of the information that you get from the Scottish Prison Service? Will that interaction be the same?

Thank you.

I am trying to establish what difference the bill will make to the current process for that.

I will be brief. Mr McSherry, what is your view on the removal of section 23D of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, particularly in relation to domestic abuse and sexual abuse offenders?

Given the specific nature of, say, domestic abuse offences, which are directed at one person and might involve a pattern of behaviour, can you understand the concerns of victims and women’s organisations about that? Is it fair to put such offences in the same one-size-fits-all category as other offences?