The Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions)(Standing Orders and Parliamentary Publications) Order 1999

The Parliament shall decide, for each committee, on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau–

• (a) the political party whose members shall be eligible to be convener or, as the case may be, the deputy convener of the committee; or

• (b) that the convener or, as the case may be, the deputy convener shall be chosen from the members not representing any political party.

3

In making a proposal under paragraph 2, the Parliamentary Bureau shall have regard to the balance of political parties in the Parliament.

4

At the first meeting of a committee after it is established by the Parliament, members of the committee shall choose a convener. That meeting shall be chaired until a convener is chosen by the oldest member of the committee who is present at the meeting. Once a convener is chosen, he or she shall take the chair.

5

The convener of a committee shall be a member of that committee who shall be chosen in accordance with the decision of the Parliament under paragraph 2.

6

The convener of a committee shall hold office for the duration of the committee unless–

• (a) he or she resigns from that office by intimating his or her resignation to the Clerk;

• (b) he or she is removed from that office by a decision taken by an absolute majority of the committee; or

• (c) he or she ceases to be a member of the Parliament or of that committee otherwise than by virtue of a dissolution.

7

Where the convener of a committee ceases to hold office, the committee shall choose another member of the committee to be the convener in accordance with the decision of the Parliament under paragraph 2. If it is not possible for the committee to choose a convener in accordance with that decision, the Parliament shall, on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau, make a further decision under paragraph 2 in relation to the committee, and the choice of a convener in accordance with paragraph 5 shall proceed accordingly.

8

Each committee shall have a deputy convener who shall be a member of that committee who is chosen by the members of that committee in accordance with the decision of the Parliament under paragraph 2. Paragraphs 6 and 7 shall apply to the deputy convener of a committee as they apply to the convener of a committee with such modifications as are appropriate.

9

Where the convener is not available for any meeting of the committee, or leaves the chair for part of any meeting, that meeting, or that part of the meeting, shall be chaired by the deputy convener.

10

Where the office of convener is vacant, a meeting of the committee shall be convened by the deputy convener and chaired by him or her until a convener is chosen. Where the offices of convener and deputy convener are both vacant, a meeting of the committee shall be convened and chaired by the oldest member of the committee present at that meeting and chaired by him or her until a convener is chosen.

11

When the deputy convener or oldest member of the committee convenes or chairs a meeting of a committee he or she shall have all the functions of a convener under these Rules for the purposes of conducting the business of that meeting.

12

This Rule is subject to any other Rule making express provision about conveners of committees.

Rule 12.2 Procedure in committee

1

A committee shall not commence consideration of any business or vote if the number of committee members present (including the convener, or deputy convener if he or she is in the chair) is fewer than 3.

2

Any member of the Parliament may attend any meeting, or part of a meeting, of any committee of which he or she is not a member which is held in public but he or she may participate in the proceedings of the committee only if invited to do so by the convener and may not vote.

3

Where a committee is considering any of the business mentioned in Rule 6.2.2(b), (c) or (d), the following persons (if not members of the committee) shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the committee but may not vote, namely–

• (a) the member of the Scottish Executive or junior Scottish Minister who has general responsibility for the matter with which the business is concerned; and

• (b) in the case of a Member’s Bill, the member in charge of the Bill.

Rule 12.3 Committee meetings

1

A committee shall meet to consider such business on such days and at such times as it may from time to time decide, subject to any timetable specified in the business programme. The convener shall notify the Clerk and the Clerk shall notify members in the Business Bulletin of the agenda for each meeting.

2

A committee shall meet in Scotland at such place as it may decide, with the approval of the Parliamentary Bureau.

3

A committee meeting shall not be held at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament but may be held on any day whether a sitting day or not and whether within or outwith the normal Parliamentary week. Committee meetings shall not normally be held when the Parliament is in recess.

4

Committee meetings shall be held in public except as mentioned in paragraph 5.

5

All or part of a meeting of a committee may be held in private if the committee so decides. Any meeting at which a committee is considering any of the business mentioned in Rule 6.2.2(b), (c) or (d) shall be held in public except where, for the purpose of taking evidence, the committee decides that it is appropriate that the meeting, or part of the meeting, should be held in private.

Rule 12.4 Witnesses and documents

1

A committee may, in connection with any competent matter, invite any person–

• (a) to attend its proceedings for the purpose of giving evidence; or

• (b) to produce documents in that person’s custody or under that person’s control,

and may exercise the power conferred upon the Parliament by section 23 (power to call for witnesses and documents) to require any person to do so but subject to and in accordance with the terms of sections 23 and 24 (notice provisions in relation to witnesses and documents).

2

For the purposes of section 26(1), the convener of a committee may administer an oath or solemn affirmation to any person giving evidence in its proceedings and require that person to take an oath or make a solemn affirmation.

3

The committee shall arrange for the Parliamentary corporation to pay to persons whom it requires, and may arrange for the Parliamentary corporation to pay to persons whom it invites to attend its proceedings to give evidence or to produce any documents, such allowances and expenses as may be determined by the Parliament.

Rule 12.5 Sub-committees

1

A committee may establish one or more sub-committees with the approval of the Parliament on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau.

2

The remit of any sub-committee of a committee shall be such as is approved by the Parliament, on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau, but shall not include any matter outwith the remit of that committee.

3

The membership of any sub-committee shall be determined by the Parliament on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau. The membership of a sub-committee of a committee shall be proposed by that committee to the Parliamentary Bureau. Normally only members of the committee may be members of a sub-committee of that committee but, if the committee so decides, members of other committees may be appointed as members of a sub-committee.

4

In considering the membership of a sub-committee, the committee shall have regard to the balance of political parties in the Parliament.

5

The convener of a sub-committee shall be a member of that sub-committee who shall be chosen by the members of the sub-committee.

6

The duration of a sub-committee shall be determined by the Parliament on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau.

7

A sub-committee shall report to the committee which established it.

8

Rules 6.3.5, 6.3.6, 12.1.7 to 12.1.10, 12.2 to 12.4 and 12.6 shall apply in relation to the establishment, procedure and meetings of a sub-committee as they apply in relation to committees with such modifications as are appropriate.

Rule 12.6 Reporters

1

Any committee may appoint a committee member (referred to as “a reporter”) to report to it upon any competent matter within such time limit as the committee may determine. A committee may appoint different reporters to report to it upon different competent matters.

Rule 12.7 Advisers

1

A committee may, with the approval of the Parliamentary Bureau, issue directions to the Parliamentary corporation in connection with the appointment by the Parliamentary corporation of any person to inquire into and advise the committee or any sub-committee upon any competent matter. Different advisers may be appointed for different competent matters.

Rule 12.8 Reports of committees

1

Where a committee is to report any matter to the Parliament or another committee, it shall do so by lodging the report with the Clerk.

2

Where the report is addressed to the Parliament, the Clerk shall notify members that the report has been lodged. Where the report is addressed to another committee, the Clerk shall notify that committee that the report has been lodged.

3

Any committee report lodged with the Clerk shall be published by the Clerk.

Rule 12.9 Annual reports

1

Each committee shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each Parliamentary year, submit a report to the Parliament containing details of its activities during that Parliamentary year, including details of its meetings and the number of times the committee has met in private. In the case of the Parliamentary year ending on the dissolution of the Parliament before an ordinary general election, each committee shall submit such a report before the Parliament is dissolved.

Rule 12.10 Travelling outwith the United Kingdom

1

A member of a committee who wishes to travel outwith the United Kingdom in connection with any competent matter which is before that committee shall require the prior approval of the Parliamentary Bureau.

CHAPTER 13: — STATEMENTS AND PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

Rule 13.1 Personal statements

1

Any member may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, make a personal statement to a meeting of the Parliament.

2

A member wishing to make a personal statement shall notify the Presiding Officer that he or she wishes to do so.

3

If the Presiding Officer decides that a personal statement may be made, he or she shall notify the Parliamentary Bureau who shall include notice of that statement in a business programme.

4

Where a personal statement is made, it may not be debated.

Rule 13.2 Ministerial statements

1

Where a member of the Scottish Executive or junior Scottish Minister wishes to make a statement to a meeting of the Parliament (“a ministerial statement”), notice shall be given to the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer shall then notify the Parliamentary Bureau who shall include notice of the ministerial statement in a business programme. A ministerial statement may be debated.

2

Where a ministerial statement is of an urgent nature, the member of the Scottish Executive or junior Scottish Minister wishing to make the statement may, on giving notice of the statement to the Presiding Officer, request that it be made on that day. If the statement is, in the opinion of the Presiding Officer, sufficiently urgent, he or she shall allow the statement to be made and debated and shall make any necessary alteration to the daily business list. Members shall be notified that any such statement is to be made and of any subsequent alteration to the daily business list.

Rule 13.3 Questions to the Scottish Executive

1

Any member may put a question to the Scottish Executive for answer in the Parliament.

2

Questions shall be in writing and lodged with the Clerk.

3

A question shall–

• (a) be brief, clearly worded, and address specific points;

• (b) relate to a matter for which the First Minister, the Scottish Ministers or the Scottish Law Officers have general responsibility;

• (c) be in English;

• (d) be prefaced by the name of the member asking it;

• (e) not contain offensive language;

• (f) not express a point of view; and

• (g) not breach any enactment or rule of law or be contrary to the public interest.

4

A question shall specify whether it is for oral answer (“an oral question”) or for written answer (“a written question”).

5

A member may withdraw a question lodged by him or her at any time before it is answered by notifying the Clerk.

Rule 13.4 Admissibility of questions

1

A question is admissible unless–

• (a) it does not comply with the requirements of Rule 13.3.3; or

• (b) the information sought has been provided in response to a similar question in the 6 months before the member seeks to lodge the question.

2

Any dispute as to whether a question is admissible shall be determined by the Presiding Officer.

Rule 13.5 Written questions

1

A written question concerning a matter for which the First Minister is alone responsible may be answered only by the First Minister. A written question concerning the operation of the systems of criminal prosecution and investigation of deaths in Scotland may be answered only by the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General for Scotland. Other written questions may be answered by any member of the Scottish Executive.

2

The answer to a written question shall be lodged with the Clerk. An answer shall be lodged normally within 14 days of the question being lodged.

3

The Clerk shall publish all written questions in the Business Bulletin. An answer to a written question shall be published along with the question in the Official Report.

Rule 13.6 Oral questions

1

Oral questions may be answered at Question Time or Open Question Time.

2

Question Time shall be a period of up to 30 minutes each week (normally on Thursdays) at a meeting of the Parliament during which questions selected under paragraph 6 may be put to and answered by members of the Scottish Executive or junior Scottish Ministers.

3

Open Question Time shall be a period of up to 15 minutes each week immediately following Question Time during which questions selected under paragraph 5 may be put to and answered by members of the Scottish Executive or junior Scottish Ministers.

4

A member may lodge an oral question only on the eighth or ninth days before the Question Time at which he or she wishes the question to be answered. A question may be lodged at any time during the ninth day before Question Time but may be lodged only up to 14:00 during the eighth day before Question Time. A member may lodge only one question for answer at any Question Time.

5

At the end of the eighth day before Question Time the Presiding Officer may select, from all admissible oral questions lodged on the eighth or ninth days before Question Time, up to 3 questions (“Open Questions”) for answer at Open Question Time.

6

After any Open Questions have been selected, the Clerk shall select, from the remaining admissible oral questions lodged on the eighth or ninth days before Question Time, questions for answer at Question Time. These questions shall be selected on a random basis.

7

Notice of questions selected under paragraphs 5 and 6 shall be given to members in the Business Bulletin.

Rule 13.7 Question Time and Open Question Time

1

An oral question concerning a matter for which the First Minister is alone responsible shall normally be answered by the First Minister but may exceptionally be answered by any other member of the Scottish Executive. An oral question concerning the operation of the systems of criminal prosecution and investigation of deaths in Scotland shall normally be answered by the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General for Scotland but may exceptionally be answered by another member of the Scottish Executive. Other oral questions may be answered by any member of the Scottish Executive or a junior Scottish Minister.

2

A question is taken at Question Time or Open Question Time when it is called by the Presiding Officer.

3

Questions shall be taken in the order in which they are printed in the Business Bulletin.

4

When a question is taken at Question Time or Open Question Time, it may be asked only by the member who lodged it.

5

At Question Time, after a question is answered, the member who asked it may ask one supplementary question and may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, ask further supplementary questions.

6

At Open Question Time, after a question is answered, any member may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, ask a supplementary question.

7

A member asking a question shall, in asking the question, not depart from the terms of the question.

8

A member may ask a supplementary question only on the same subject matter as the original question and shall, in asking the question, do so briefly.

9

A question selected for answer at Question Time or Open Question Time but which is not taken shall be treated as a written question and shall be answered in accordance with Rule 13.5.

Rule 13.8 Emergency Questions

1

Where an oral question is of an urgent nature the member lodging it may, if it is lodged by 10:00 on a day on which there is a meeting of the Parliament, request that it is answered that day, whether or not there is a period set aside for Question Time that day. The Clerk shall notify the Presiding Officer of the lodging of such a question as soon as possible after it is lodged. Such a question is referred to as “an emergency question”.

2

If an emergency question is, in the opinion of the Presiding Officer, sufficiently urgent, he or she shall allow the question to be put and answered at an appropriate point during the meeting of the Parliament and shall make any necessary alteration to the daily business list. Members shall be notified that any such question is to be put and of any subsequent alteration to the daily business list.

3

An emergency question concerning a matter for which the First Minister is alone responsible shall normally be answered by the First Minister but may exceptionally be answered by any other member of the Scottish Executive. An emergency question concerning the operation of the systems of criminal prosecution and investigation of deaths in Scotland shall normally be answered by the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General for Scotland but may exceptionally be answered by another member of the Scottish Executive. Other emergency questions may be answered by any member of the Scottish Executive or a junior Scottish Minister.

4

When an emergency question is taken it may be asked only by the member who lodged it.

5

After an emergency question is answered the member who asked it may ask one supplementary question and may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, ask further supplementary questions.

6

A member asking an emergency question shall, in asking the question, not depart from the terms of the question. A member asking a supplementary question shall, in asking the question, do so briefly.

7

A member may ask a supplementary question only on the same subject matter as the original question and shall, in asking the question, do so briefly.

Rule 13.9 Questions to Presiding Officer

1

Any member may address a question on a matter concerning the Parliamentary corporation or the staff of the Parliament to the Presiding Officer. Such a question may be answered by any member of the Parliamentary corporation.

2

A question addressed to the Presiding Officer under paragraph 1 shall normally be for written answer but may, exceptionally, be for oral answer.

3

Rules 13.3 to 13.7 shall apply to questions to the Presiding Officer under paragraph 1 as they apply to questions to the Scottish Executive with such modifications as are appropriate.

CHAPTER 14: — LAYING AND PUBLICATION OF DOCUMENTS

Rule 14.1 Laying of reports and other documents

1

Where, under an enactment or otherwise, a report or other document is required or authorised to be laid before the Scottish Parliament, the lodging of a copy of that report or document with the Clerk shall be treated for all purposes as being the laying of it before the Parliament.

2

The Clerk may require the person laying the report or document to provide such additional copies as he or she considers necessary.

3

A report or other document may be laid before the Parliament at any time when the office of the Clerk is open.

4

No report or other document shall be laid before the Parliament unless it is required or authorised to be laid under an enactment or otherwise or it is laid by a member of the Scottish Executive.

5

The Clerk shall ensure that notice of any report or other document laid before the Parliament is published in the Business Bulletin. The notice shall give the title of the report or document.

Rule 14.2 Laying of financial reports and documents

1

Any documents laid before the Parliament containing outline proposals for public expenditure in any financial year other than the financial year beginning 1 April 2000 shall not be considered, except with the agreement of the Parliament, unless they are laid before the Parliament no later than the preceding 20 April.

2

Any document laid before the Parliament setting out preliminary draft budgets of public expenditure in any financial year other than the financial year beginning on 1 April 2000 shall not be considered, except with the agreement of the Parliament, unless they are laid before the Parliament no later than the preceding 20 September.

Rule 14.3 Publication of documents

1

Where, under these Rules, the Clerk is required to publish any document, he or she shall arrange for publication through the Parliamentary corporation.

2

If the Parliament so decides, the Clerk shall publish any report or other document laid before the Parliament.

3

In these Rules, “document” means anything in which information is recorded in any form.

Rule 14.4 Publication under the authority of the Parliament

1

Any statement which is required or authorised to be published in pursuance of these Rules shall be published under the authority of the Parliament.

2

In these Rules, “statement” has the same meaning as in the Defamation Act 1996⁶.

CHAPTER 15: — OPENNESS AND ACCESSIBILITY

Rule 15.1 Meetings in public

1

The meetings of the Parliament and, subject to Rule 12.3.5, of any committee or sub-committee shall be held in public.

2

Paragraph 1 is subject to the conditions which require to be complied with by any member of the public attending the proceedings of the Parliament as mentioned in Rule 15.2.

Rule 15.2 Public access

1

Members of the public shall be admitted to the public gallery during any meeting of the Parliament.

2

Members of the public admitted to the public gallery during any meeting of the Parliament shall comply with such reasonable conditions as the Presiding Officer may determine and notify to them.

3

The Presiding Officer may order that any member of the public who does not, in the opinion of the Presiding Officer, comply with any of those conditions shall leave the public gallery and may order that any such person be excluded from the proceedings of the Parliament for such period as the Presiding Officer considers appropriate.

4

This Rule shall apply to meetings of committees as it applies to meetings of the Parliament with such modifications as are appropriate.

Rule 15.3 Access to chamber

1

Subject to paragraph 2, no person other than a member may enter the chamber during a meeting of the Parliament except–

• (a) the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General for Scotland (if not a member);

• (b) a person authorised to do so by the Presiding Officer;

• (c) a person addressing the Parliament in accordance with paragraph 5;

• (d) any other person required, invited or permitted by the Parliament to attend a meeting of the Parliament; and

• (e) the Clerk or any person authorised by him or her.

2

If the person holding the office of Presiding Officer or deputy Presiding Officer as mentioned in section 19(2) is not a member of the Parliament, he or she may enter the chamber during a meeting of the Parliament but only for the purpose of chairing proceedings for the election of a new Presiding Officer.

3

Any person mentioned in paragraph 1(b), (d) or (e) may be required to leave the chamber or prevented from entering the chamber by order of the Presiding Officer.

4

Only a member, or the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General for Scotland (if not a member), may sit in any seat in the chamber which is reserved for members.

5

Any person may, on the invitation of the Parliament, address the Parliament.

Rule 15.4 Bringing a petition

1

The Parliament shall consider, in accordance with the provisions of this Rule and Rules 15.5 and 15.6, any petition addressed to it. A petition may be brought by an individual person, a body corporate or an unincorporated association of persons.

2

A petition shall clearly indicate–

• (a) the name of the petitioner;

• (b) an address of the petitioner to which all communications concerning the petition should be sent; and

• (c) the name and address of any person supporting the petition.

3

All petitions shall be in English.

4

The Public Petitions Committee shall determine the proper form of petitions and shall publish its determinations in such manner as it considers appropriate.

5

A petition may be lodged with the Clerk, or sent to the Clerk by e-mail, on a sitting day. Petitions may be lodged or sent by the petitioner or by a member on behalf of the petitioner. When the Clerk receives a petition he or she shall send it as soon as practicable to the Committee.

Rule 15.5 Admissibility of petitions

1

The Public Petitions Committee shall decide whether a petition is admissible.

2

A petition is admissible unless–

• (a) it does not comply with Rule 15.4.2 or 3, or is otherwise not in proper form;

• (b) it contains language which, in the opinion of the Committee, is offensive; or

• (c) it requests the Parliament to do anything which, in the opinion of the Committee, the Parliament clearly has no power to do.

3

If a petition is inadmissible it shall be rejected by the Committee without further consideration. If the Committee decides that a petition is inadmissible it shall, as soon as practicable, notify the petitioner of its decision and of the reasons for that decision.

Rule 15.6 Action on a petition

1

If a petition is admissible, the Public Petitions Committee shall consider the petition.

2

When the Committee has considered the petition it may–

• (a) refer the petition to the Scottish Ministers, any other committee of the Parliament or any other person or body for them to take such action as they consider appropriate;

• (b) report to the Parliamentary Bureau or to the Parliament; or

• (c) take any other action which the Committee considers appropriate.

3

The petitioner shall be notified of the action taken by the Committee under paragraph 2.

CHAPTER 16: — REPORTING OF PROCEEDINGS

Rule 16.1 Minutes of proceedings

1

Minutes of the proceedings at each meeting of the Parliament shall be drawn up by the Clerk.

2

The minutes shall record all the items of business taken by the Parliament at that meeting and the results of any decisions taken and of any divisions and elections which took place.

3

The Clerk shall arrange for the minutes of proceedings to be printed and published as soon as possible by whatever means is considered appropriate.

Rule 16.2 Scottish Parliament Official Report

1

The Parliamentary corporation shall ensure that a substantially verbatim report of the proceedings at each meeting of the Parliament is prepared. It shall be known as the Scottish Parliament Official Report and in these Rules is referred to as the Official Report.

2

The Official Report shall also contain all written questions, together with the answers, in accordance with Rule 13.5.3.

3

The Clerk shall ensure that the Official Report is printed and published for each sitting day during a Parliamentary session.

Rule 16.3 Journal of the Scottish Parliament

1

The Parliamentary corporation shall ensure that a Journal of the Scottish Parliament (referred to as “the Journal”) is printed and published at such intervals as the Parliament may, on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau, determine.

2

The Journal shall contain–

• (a) minutes of proceedings;

• (b) notice of any instrument or draft instrument or any other document laid before the Parliament in accordance with Chapter 10, which notice shall give the title of the instrument, draft instrument or other document and the date on which it was laid before Parliament;

• (c) notice of any report of a committee, which notice shall give the title of the report and the date on which it was lodged with the Clerk; and

• (d) any other matter which the Parliament, on a motion of the Parliamentary Bureau, considers should be included in the Journal.

Rule 16.4 Broadcast of proceedings

1

The Parliamentary corporation shall arrange for proceedings at meetings of the Parliament to be broadcast in such manner and subject to such conditions as the Parliament may determine in a Code of Conduct relating to broadcasting of proceedings of the Parliament.

2

Until such a Code of Conduct has been made by the Parliament, the Parliamentary corporation may make such arrangements for the broadcast of proceedings at meetings of the Parliament as it sees fit.

Rule 16.5 Committee proceedings

1

Subject to paragraph 2, Rules 16.1 to 16.4 shall apply to proceedings at meetings of committees and sub-committees as they apply to proceedings at meetings of the Parliament with such modifications as are appropriate.

2

Unless the Parliament decides otherwise, no substantially verbatim report of any proceedings at a meeting of a committee or sub-committee held in private shall be prepared. No such proceedings shall be broadcast.

CHAPTER 17: — MISCELLANEOUS

Rule 17.1 Making and amending standing orders

1

The Procedures Committee shall before 6th May 2000, by motion propose to the Parliament a draft set of standing orders.

2

The draft set of standing orders proposed by the Procedures Committee may be these Rules with or without modification, but any modification must be consistent with the requirements of the Act.

3

After the Parliament has made its own standing orders the Parliament may, on a motion of the Procedures Committee, amend those standing orders. Any decision of the Parliament to amend the standing orders shall require an absolute majority.

Rule 17.2 Suspension of standing orders

1

The Parliament may, on the motion of any member, suspend any of these Rules for the purpose of a meeting of the Parliament or of a committee or sub-committee except any Rule which makes provision which the Act requires to be made by standing orders or which reflects a provision of the Act. Such a suspension shall apply only for the purposes of that meeting or of part of that meeting.

Rule 17.3 Notice to members

1

Where these Rules impose a requirement to notify the Parliament or members of any matter, notification shall normally be given in the Business Bulletin.

2

Where the Parliament is in recess, notice shall be given in whatever form is considered by the person giving that notice to be sufficient.

3

Where notice is given in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2, that notice shall also be made public.

Rule 17.4 Lodging of documents

1

Where these Rules provide for anything, other than a Bill and any instrument or other document to which Chapter 10 or 14 applies, to be lodged with, or notified to, the Clerk by a member, this may be done by its–

• (a) being lodged with, or notified in writing to, the Clerk by the member;

• (b) being lodged with, or notified in writing to, the Clerk by any other person on behalf of the member, but only if that person has been authorised to do so by the member and the Clerk has been notified of that authorisation in writing; or

• (c) being sent by e-mail to the Clerk from the member’s e-mail address, but only if the member has notified the Clerk in writing that he or she intends lodging documents by e-mail.

2

In addition, anything to be lodged with, or notified to, the Clerk by a member of the Scottish Executive or a junior Scottish Minister may be sent by e-mail to the Clerk from the e-mail address of a member of the staff of the Scottish Administration but only if that member of staff has been authorised to do so by any member of the Scottish Executive or a junior Scottish Minister and the Clerk has been notified of that authorisation in writing.

CHAPTER 18: — GLOSSARY

Rule 18.1 Interpretation

1

Any expression used in these Rules shall have the same meaning as in the Act, unless expressly provided otherwise.

Rule 18.2 Index of defined expressions

1

In these Rules, the expressions listed in the left hand column have the meaning given by, or are to be interpreted in accordance with, the Rules listed in the right-hand column.

Expression	Rule
absolute majority	11.11.3
accompanying documents	9.3.5
Adviser	12.7
appointed members	3.6.1
Auditor General’s Report	9.3.4
Budget Bill	9.16
Business Bulletin	5.9
business motions	8.11.1
business programme	5.4
Committee Bill	9.15.1
competent matters	6.2
Consolidation Bill	9.18.1
daily business list	5.5.1
Decision Time	11.2.2
division	11.6
document	14.3.3
Emergency Bill	9.21.1
emergency question	13.8.1
equal opportunities	6.9.2
Executive Bill	9.3.3
Explanatory Notes	9.3.3
Financial Memorandum	9.3.2
Financial Resolution	9.12.1
financial year	5.8.4
former Officer	2.4.9
group representative	5.2.1(c)
Journal of the Scottish Parliament	16.3
manuscript amendment	9.10.6
meeting of the Parliament	2.2.6
member in charge of a Bill	9.2.1
members	1.1.2
Member’s Bill	9.14.1
Members' Business	2.2.9
ministerial statement	13.2
minutes of proceedings	16.1
motion of no confidence	8.12.1
normal Parliamentary week	2.2.3
oath of allegiance	1.2.5
oldest qualified member	2.4.7
Open Questions	13.6.5
Open Question Time	13.6.3
oral question	13.3.4
Parliamentary Bureau	5.1
parliamentary recess	2.3
parliamentary year	2.1.2
party representative	5.2.1(b)
Policy Memorandum	9.3.3
Private Bill	9.17.1
Public Bill	9.17.1
public expenditure	6.6.3
Question Time	13.6.2
reporter	12.6
roll call vote	11.7.3
Scottish Law Officer	4.5.1
Selection Panel	3.11.1
simple majority	11.11.2
sitting day	2.1.3
solemn affirmation	1.2.5
Scottish Parliament Official Report	16.2
Statute Law Repeals Bill	9.19.1
Statute Law Revision Bill	9.20.1
subject committee	6.1.4
written question	13.3.4

Rule 18.3 Other references

1

Unless otherwise expressly provided, any reference in these Rules to–

• (a) a numbered section is to the section having that number in the Scotland Act 1998;

• (b) a numbered Rule (eg Rule 7.2) is to the Rule having that number in these Rules and, where a Rule number is followed by another number (eg Rule 7.2.1) it refers to the paragraph having that number in that Rule; and

• (c) a numbered paragraph in a Rule is to the paragraph having that number in that Rule.

INDEX

Absolute majority	11.11.3
Address to Parliament	7.1.2; 15.3.1(c) and 5
Advisers	12.7.1
Affirmation (see oath of allegiance)
Agenda
-meeting of committee	5.9.2(c); 12.3.1
-meeting of Parliament	5.4.2
Amendments to Bills	9.10
-admissibility	9.10.5
-amendments to	9.10.7 and 10
-Budget Bills	9.16.6
-Consolidation Bills	9.18.6 and 7
-decisions on	11.3.2; 11.8.2
-grouping	9.10.12
-manuscript	9.10.6
-marshalled list	9.10.8
-moving of	9.7.7(a); 9.10.13 and 14
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(g); 9.10.4
-notice of	9.7.5; 9.8.3 and 5; 9.10.2, 3 and 6
-proper form	9.10.1
-questions on	11.3.2; 11.8.2
-selection of	9.8.4; 9.10.4
-Stage 2, at	9.7.5 and 6; 9.10.6
-Stage 3, at	9.8.3, 4, 5 and 6
-subordinate legislation, power to make	9.7.9
-withdrawal	9.10.15
Amendments to motions	8.4
-amendments to	8.7.1; 11.4.4
-business motion	8.11.3 and 4
-committees	8.8.1
-debates on	7.7.1(b); 8.6.4
-decisions on	8.6.5; 11.4.2 and 4
-moving of	8.6.2; 11.2.6
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(f); 8.5.5
-notice of	8.5; 11.1.6; 11.4.2
-questions on	11.4.2
-selection of	8.5.6
-support for	8.5.4
-taken by the Parliament	8.6
Audit Committee
-establishment	6.1.5(d) and 6(b)
-remit	6.7.1
-restriction on membership	6.7.2
Auditor General for Scotland
-appointment	3.11
-removal	3.12
-reports	9.3.4
Auditor General’s Report on Bills	9.3.4
laid before the Parliament	6.7.1(b)
Bills
-accompanying documents	9.3
Consolidation Bills	9.18.2
printing and publishing	9.4.1
-amendments to (see Amendments to Bills)
-Auditor General’s Report	9.3.4
-Budget Bills	5.8.1(c); 6.6.1(c) and 2; 8.10.3; 9.16
-Codification Bills	9.18
-committees
Committee Bills	9.15
Committee of the Whole Parliament	9.7.1(b) and 2; 9.21.3
Consolidation Committee	9.18.3, 4, 5 and 6
Finance Committee
Budget Bills	6.6.1(c); 9.16.3
other Bills	9.12.5
lead committee
at Stage 1	9.6.1
at Stage 2	9.7
participation in proceedings	9.7.7
Private Bills	9.17.4
report of	9.6.1, 3, 5, 6 and 9
Statute Law Repeals Committee	9.19.2
Statute Law Revision Committee	9.20.2
Subordinate Legislation Committee
report of	9.6.1 and 3; 9.7.9
Stage 1	9.6.2
Stage 2	9.7.9
-Consolidation Bills	9.18
-Crown consent	9.11.1
-divisions at Stage 3	9.8.9 and 10
-Emergency Bills	9.21
-Executive Bills	9.3.3
Budget Bills (see that entry)
consideration by committee	9.6.3
Emergency Bills (see that entry)
-Explanatory Notes	9.3.3(b)
-Financial Memorandum	9.3.2
-Financial Resolutions	9.12
-general principles of	9.5.1(a)
consideration by committee	9.6.1, 3 and 5
consideration by Parliament	9.6.4 and 7
-General Rules	9.1.1
-introduction	9.2
accompanying documents	9.3
Budget Bills	9.16.2 and 8
by Member of Scottish Executive	9.3.3
Member’s Bills	9.14.1 and 5
Private Bills	9.17.1 and 2
-Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
decision that Bill outwith legislative competence	9.9.2(a)
question on Bill referred to	9.9.1
-legislative competence
statement by Member of Scottish Executive	9.3.3(a)
statement by Presiding Officer	9.3.1
-member
proposal for Bill by	9.14; 9.15.4
-member in charge of the Bill	9.2.1
motion to adjourn proceedings	9.8.5
motion to reconsider	9.9.1 and 2
motion to refer back to committee	9.8.6
participation in committee	9.7.7(b)
speaking on amendment	9.10.13
withdrawal of Bill	9.13.1
-Member’s Bills	9.14
-notice of introduction in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(g); 9.2.5
-Parliamentary Bureau
designation of lead committee	9.6.1
referral of Bill at Stage 1	9.6.2 and 6
referral of Bill at Stage 2	9.7.1
referral of proposal for Bill	9.15.4
-passing of	9.5.1(c); 9.8.5, 9 and 10
-Policy Memorandum	9.3.3(c)
-printing and publishing	9.4.1; 9.7.8
-Private Bills	9.17
-proper form	9.2.3
-Public Bills	9.17.1
-reconsideration of Bills passed	9.5.2; 9.9
-rejection of	9.5.1(c) and 4; 9.8.10; 9.17.5
-signing of	9.2.4; 9.17.3
-Statute Law Repeals Bills	9.19
-Statute Law Revision Bills	9.20
-Special Rules	9.1.1
-Stages of	9.5
Budget Bills	9.16.3, 4 and 5
Committee Bills	9.15.8
Consolidation Bills	9.18.5, 6 and 7
Emergency Bills	9.21.2, 3, 4 and 5
Private Bills	9.17.4 and 6
reconsideration	9.9
Stage 1	9.6
Stage 2	9.7
Stage 3	9.8
-withdrawal	9.13.1
Broadcasting	16.4.1 and 16.5.2
Budget
-Budget Bill (see Bills)
-committees, consideration by	5.8.1(b) and 3; 6.2.2(f)
-documents laid before Parliament	14.2.2
-Finance Committee, consideration by	6.6.1(a)
Business Bulletin	5.9
-agendas for committee meetings	5.9.2(c); 12.3.1
-amendments to Bills	5.9.2(g); 9.10.4
-amendments to motions	5.9.2(f); 8.5.5
-Bills introduced	5.9.2(g); 9.2.5
-business programme	5.4.3; 5.9.2(a)
-daily business list	5.5.2 and 3; 5.9.2(b)
-motions	5.9.2(f); 8.2.5
-notices to members	17.3.1
-questions	5.9.2(d) and (e); 13.5.3; 13.6.7
-reports and other documents	5.9.2(h); 14.1.5
-subordinate legislation	5.9.2(h); 10.9.1
Business programme	5.4
-business motion	8.11.1
-committee business	5.6.1(a)
-daily business list	5.5.1
-financial business	5.8.1
-group business	5.6.1(b)
-Members' Business	5.6.1(c)
-ministerial statement	13.2.1
-motion of no confidence	8.12.2
-non Executive business	5.6.1(b)
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(a); 5.4.3
-personal statement	13.1.3
-programme of Scottish Executive	5.7.2
-proposal of Parliamentary Bureau	5.1.2(a)
-timetables	5.4.2; 9.5.3; 12.3.1
Chairing meetings of the Parliament
-first meeting after election	2.4.1, 3 and 7
-Presiding Officer, by	2.2.7, 3.1.1(b)
Clerk
-access to Chamber	15.3.1(e) and 3
-amendments to Bills, preparing marshalled list of	9.10.8
-Bills, printing and publishing of	9.4.1
-Business Bulletin, production of	5.9
-chairing of first meeting after election	2.4.1(a); 2.4.3(a)
-daily business list, publication of	5.5.1
-election of Presiding Officer, counting votes	11.9
-minutes of proceedings, drawn up by	16.1.1
-oath of allegiance of members	1.2.1
-Official Report, publication of	16.2.3
-powers when chairing meeting	2.4.8
-publication of documents by	14.3
Code of Conduct
-for broadcasting	16.4.1
-for members	1.6.1
-Standards Committee	6.5.1
Committees
-advisers	12.7.1
-Audit Committee (see that entry)
-business of
meetings of the Parliament, at	5.6.1(a)
timetable for	5.4.2
-Committee of the Whole Parliament	9.7.1(b) and 2; 9.21.3
-competence, questions regarding	6.13
-Consolidation Committee	9.18.3
-conveners	12.1
-decisions of	11.8
-deputy conveners	12.1.2, 8, 9,10 and 11
-duration	6.12
-Equal Opportunities Committee (see that entry)
-establishment	6.1
-European Committee (see that entry)
-Finance Committee (see that entry)
-functions	6.2
-joint consideration by	6.14
-mandatory committees	6.1.5 and 6(b)
-meetings	12.3
agenda for	5.9.2(c); 12.3.1
attendance at	12.2.2 and 3
broadcasting of	16.5.1
chairing of	12.1.1, 8, 9 and 10
conduct of	7.8.1
minutes of proceedings	16.5.1
procedure in	12.2
public	15.1
Scottish Parliament Official Report	16.5.1
standing orders, suspension of	17.2.1
-membership	6.3
-motions	8.1.3; 8.8.1
-Procedures Committee (see that entry)
-Public Petitions Committee (see that entry)
-reporters	12.6.1
-reports	12.8
annual reports	12.9.1
publication of	14.3.2
-Standards Committee (see that entry)
-Statute Law Repeals Committee	9.19.2
-Statute Law Revision Committee	9.20.2
-sub-committees	12.5
-subject committee	6.1.4
-Subordinate Legislation Committee (see that entry)
-travel outwith UK	12.10.1
-witnesses and documents	12.4
Conduct of meetings
-committee proceedings	7.8.1
-disturbances	7.4.1
-exclusion of member	7.3.3
-forms of address	7.6
-languages	7.1
-length of debate	7.7.1
-number of speakers	7.7.1
-order in chamber	7.3
-point of order	8.17
-speakers, calling of and speeches of	7.2
-sub judice	7.5
Daily business list	5.5
-alteration to	5.1.2(b); 5.5.3 and 4; 8.14.4; 8.15.2; 8.16.1; 13.2.2
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(b)
Debates
-adjournment of	8.15
-amendments, on	8.6.4
-Bills, on whether passed	9.8.5 and 6
-closure of	8.14
-length of	7.7.1
-motions, on	8.3.5
-speakers, number of	7.7.1
-statements, on	13.1.4; 13.2
Decisions	11.1
-absolute majority	11.11.3
-committees, of	11.8
-Decision Time (see that entry)
-divisions (see that entry)
-order for questions	11.4
-question put	11.1.2 and 3
-resolution, by	11.1.1
-simple majority	11.11.1 and 2
-time for making	11.2; 11.3
-voting (see Voting, Voting Procedures, Voting Systems)
Decision Time	11.2
-decisions at other times	11.3
-order of questions	11.4
Deputy Presiding Officer (see Presiding Officer)
Disqualification (see Members)
Divisions	11.6
-after question put	11.4.3
Documents (see Bills; laying of documents; Publication; Witnesses and documents)
Elections
-deputy Presiding Officers	3.3; 11.9
-members of Parliamentary corporation	3.7; 11.10
-Presiding Officer	3.2; 11.9
Equal Opportunities Committee
-establishment	6.1.5(f) and 6(b)
-remit	6.9.1
European Committee
-convener	6.8.3
-establishment	6.1.5(e) and 6(b)
-membership	6.8.4
-remit	6.8.1
Finance Committee
-Bills, referral of	9.12.5
-Budget Bills, Stage 2 of	9.16.3
-establishment	6.1.5(c) and 6(a)
-remit	6.6.1 and 2
Financial Business	5.8
First Minister
-appointment	4.1; 11.10
-form of address	7.6.1(c)
-judge, removal of	8.9.1(c)
-junior Scottish Ministers, appointment of	4.7.1; 8.9.1(b)
-motions of	8.9.1
-person to exercise functions of	4.2.1
-programme of Scottish Executive, statement by	5.7.1
-questions answered by	13.3.3(b); 13.5.1; 13.7.1; 13.8.3
-resignation	4.8.1
-Scottish Law Officers
appointment of	4.3; 8.9.1(a)
removal of	4.4.1; 8.9.1(a)
-Scottish Ministers, appointment of	4.6; 8.9.1(b)
Form of address	7.6
Group of members
-business of	5.6.1(b)
-representative	5.2.1(c)
-votes	5.3.5
Journal of the Scottish Parliament	16.3
Judge
-motion to recommend removal of	8.9.1(c)
Junior Scottish Ministers
-appointment	4.7.1; 8.9.1(b); 11.3.1(b)
-form of address
-motion of no confidence	8.12.1
7.6.1(c)
-questions answered by	13.6.2 and 3; 13.7.1; 13.8.3
-resignation	4.8.2
Languages	7.1
Laying of documents	10.10.1; 14.1
-documents required/authorised to be laid	14.1.1
-documents subject to Parliamentary control	10.10.1
-financial reports and documents	14.2
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(h); 14.1.5
-publication of documents laid	14.3
Lead Committee
-Bills	9.6
-subordinate legislation	10.2
Lord Advocate
(see Scottish Law Officers)
Meetings of Parliament
-access	15.2; 15.3
-address to Parliament	15.3.5
-adjournment of	7.4.1; 8.16
-agenda	5.4.2
-Bills
reconsideration of	9.9.3
Stage 1 of	9.6.4
Stage 3 of	9.8
-broadcasting	16.4.1
-business at meetings
agenda	5.4.2
emergency business	5.5.4
priority for certain business	5.6
timetable	5.4.2
-chairing of	2.4; 2.5; 3.1.1(a)
-closure of	7.4.1; 8.16
-conduct of (see Conduct of meetings)
-dates and times of	2.2.1 and 2
-first, following general election	2.2.1; 2.4; 3.2.1; 3.3.1
-languages	7.1
-location of	2.7
-minutes of proceedings	16.1.1
-normal Parliamentary week	2.2.3
-public, in	15.1
-recess	2.3
-sitting in chamber	15.3.3 and 4
-witnesses and documents (see that entry)
Members
-access to chamber	15.3.1
-Bills
introduction by	9.2.1
member in charge of	9.2.1
proposal for Bill by	9.15.4
-Code of Conduct	1.6.1
-committee meetings, attendance at	12.2.2
-conduct at meetings (see Conduct of Meetings)
-disqualification	1.4
-form of address	7.6.1
-lodging of items by	17.4.1
-notice to	17.3
-oath of allegiance	1.2
-personal statements	13.1
-resignation of	1.3.2
-sitting in chamber	15.3.4
-term of office	1.3
-vacancies	1.5
-vote	11.5
-withdrawal of rights and privileges	1.7
Member’s Bills	9.14
Members' Business	2.2.4(c) and 9; 5.6.1(c)
Ministerial statements	13.2
-on Executive Bills	9.3.3
-programme of Scottish Executive	5.7
Ministers
(see Scottish Ministers)
Minutes of proceedings	16.1
Motions	8.1
-amendments to (see Amendments to motions)
-appointment of junior Scottish Ministers	4.7.1; 8.9.1(b); 11.3.1(b)
-appointment of Scottish Law Officers	4.3; 8.9.1(a); 11.3.1(a)
-appointment of Scottish Ministers	4.6; 8.9.1(b); 11.3.1(b)
-business motions	8.11; 11.3.1(c)
-business programme, on	5.4.1
-calling by Presiding Officer	8.3.1
-committees	8.8.1
-consideration by Parliamentary Bureau	8.2.7
-debate on	8.3.5
-decisions on	11.1; 11.2; 11.3; 11.4
-Emergency Bill, on	11.3.1(h)
-exclusion of member	11.3.1(i)
-First Minister, of	8.9.1
-Members' Business, on	11.3.1(k)
-motion of no confidence	8.12
-moving of	8.3.2
-nomination of Auditor General for Scotland	3.11
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.1(f); 8.2.5
-notice of	8.2
-procedural	8.13
adjournment of debate	8.15
adjournment of meeting	8.16
closure of debate	8.14
closure of meeting	8.16
decision on	11.3.1(d), (e) and (j)
-questions on	8.3.7
-removal of Auditor General for Scotland	3.12
-removal of deputy Presiding Officer	3.5.1
-removal of judge	8.9.1(c)
-removal of member of Parliamentary corporation	3.10.1
-removal of Presiding Officer	3.5.1
-removal of Scottish Law Officers	4.4.1; 8.9.1(a); 11.3.1(a)
-selection of	8.2.7
-support for	8.2.4
-taken by Parliament	8.3
-tax-varying resolution	8.10
-withdrawal of	8.3.6
Normal Parliamentary week	2.2.3 and 4
Oath of allegiance	1.2
-chairing meeting for purpose of taking	2.4.1, and 3
Official Report of Proceedings	16.2
Open Questions (see Questions)
Open Question Time (see Questions)
Parliamentary Bureau	5.1
-Bills, involvement in (see Bills)
-business programme	5.4.1
-chairing of	3.1.1(b); 5.3.1
-committees
competence	5.1.2(d); 6.13
convener	12.1.2, 3 and 7
duration	6.12
establishment	6.1
membership	6.3
remit	6.1.3
-convening of	3.1.1(b); 5.3.1
-daily business list, alteration of	5.5.3
-dates and times of meetings	2.2.2
-location of meetings	2.7.2
-membership	5.2
-motions	8.1.3; 8.11
-procedure	5.3
-recess	2.3
Parliamentary corporation
-advisers, appointment of	12.7.1
-broadcasting of proceedings of Parliament	16.4.1
-Journal of the Scottish Parliament	16.3.1
-members of	3.6.1
appointment	3.8
election	3.7; 11.10
removal	3.10
resignation	3.9
-publication of documents	14.3.1
-questions about	13.9
-Scottish Parliament Official Report	16.2.1
-witnesses, payment to	12.4.3
Parliamentary year	2.1.2
Petitions (see Public Petitions)
Points of order	8.17
Presiding Officer	3.1
-casting vote	3.1.1(a); 5.3.1; 11.5.5; 11.6.6
-chairing meetings of Parliament	2.2.7; 2.4.1(c) and 3(c); 2.5.2; 3.1.1(a)
-convening of Parliament	2.2.8
-deputy Presiding Officer
election	3.3; 11.9
form of address	7.6.1(b)
functions of Presiding Officer	3.1.3, 4 and 5
removal	3.5
resignation	3.4
-election	3.2; 11.9
-emergency business	5.5.4
-form of address	7.6.1(a)
-Parliamentary Bureau
chairing of	5.3.1
membership of	5.2.1
-questions to	13.9
-removal	3.5
-resignation	3.4
Procedures Committee
-amendment of standing orders	17.1
-establishment	6.1.5(a) and 6(a)
-remit	6.4.1
Public Petitions
-action on	15.6
-admissibility	15.5
-bringing a petition	15.4
-proper form	15.4.4(a); 15.5.2(a)
Public Petitions Committee
-action on petitions	15.6
-admissibility of petitions	15.5.1
-consideration of petitions	15.6.1
-establishment	6.1.5(g) and 6(b)
-proper form of petitions	15.4.4(a); 15.5.2(b)
-remit of	6.10.1
Publication
-Bills	9.4.1
-committee reports	14.3.2
-documents	14.3
-Journal of Scottish Parliament	16.3.1
-minutes of proceedings	16.1.3
-Scottish Parliament Official Report	16.2.3
Questions	13.3 to 13.9
-admissibility	13.4
-emergency	13.8
-lodging	13.3.2; 13.6.4 and 5
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(d) and (e)
-Open Question Time	13.6.1, 3 and 5; 13.7
-Open Questions	13.6.5
-oral	13.3.4; 13.6; 13.7
-Parliamentary corporation, about	13.9
-Presiding Officer, to	13.9
-Question Time	13.6.1, 2, 4 and 6; 13.7
-Scottish Executive, to	13.3
-staff of the Parliament, about	13.9
-supplementary	13.7.5, 6 and 8; 13.8.5, 6 and 7
-withdrawal of	13.3.5
-written	13.3.4; 13.5
publication of	13.5.3; 16.2.2
Question Time
(see Questions)
Recess	2.3
-notice during	17.3.2
Resolutions (see Decisions)
Scotland Act
Section 9	1.5.1; 3.2.5(c)
Section 10	1.5.4
Section 15(1)(b)	1.4.1
Section 17(1)	1.3.3; 1.5.2(c)
Section 17(2)	1.3.3; 1.5.2(d)
Section 19(2)	2.4.4
Section 21(2)(a)	3.1.5
Section 21(2)(b)	3.6.1
Section 23	2.6.1(b)
Section 24	2.6.1(b)
Section 26(1)	12.4.2
Section 27(1)(a)	4.5.2
Section 27(2)	4.5.4
Section 27(3)	4.5.4
Section 33	9.9.1(a)
Section 34(3)	9.9.1(b)
Section 35	9.9.2(b) and 4
Section 45(2)	4.8.1
Section 45(4)	4.2.1
Section 46(1)	4.1.1
Section 47(1)	4.6.1
Section 47(2)	8.9.1(b)
Section 48(1)	4.3.1; 8.9.1(a)
Section 49(1)	4.7.1
Section 49(3)	8.9.1(b)
Section 73	9.16.7
Section 74	8.10.1
Section 84(3)	1.2.4; 1.3.3; 1.5.2(e)
Section 95(7)	8.9.1(c)
Scottish Executive (see First Minister; Scottish Law Officers; Scottish Ministers)
-Bills of, introduction of	9.3.3
-Budget Bills of, introduction of	9.16.2
-business of	5.6.1
-Emergency Bills	9.21.1
-members of
appointment	4.1; 4.3; 4.6
attendance at committee meetings	12.2.3(a)
form of address	7.6.1(c)
lodging items	17.4.2
removal	4.4
resignation	4.8.2
-ministerial statements	13.2
-motion of no confidence	8.12
-programme of	5.7
-questions to	13.3
Scottish Law Officers (see Scottish Executive)
-access to chamber	15.3.1(a)
-appointment	4.3; 8.9.1(a); 11.3.1(a)
-form of address	7.6.1(c)
-participation in proceedings	4.5
-questions answered by	13.5.1; 13.7.1; 13.8.3
-removal	4.4.1; 8.9.1(a); 11.3.1(a)
-resignation	4.8.2
-sitting in chamber	15.3.4
Scottish Ministers (see Scottish Executive)
-appointment	4.6; 8.9.1(b); 11.3.1(b)
-junior Scottish Ministers (see that entry)
Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
(see Parliamentary corporation)
Session of Parliament	2.1
Simple majority	11.11.1 and 2
Sitting Day	2.1.3
-half sitting day	5.6.2
Solicitor General for Scotland
(see Scottish Law Officers)
Staff of Parliament
-questions about	13.9.1
Standards Committee
-Code of Conduct for members	1.6.1
-establishment	6.1.5(b) and 6(a)
-remit	6.5.1
-withdrawal of rights and privileges of member	1.7.1; 6.5.2
Standing orders
-making and amending	17.1
-suspension of	17.2.1
Statements
-ministerial (see Ministerial statements)	13.2
-personal	13.1
Sub-judice	7.5
Subordinate legislation
-annulment of instrument	10.4
-approval of instrument	10.6
-calculation of days	10.11.1
-consideration by committee	10.1.3; 10.3
-consideration by Parliament	10.7.1
-draft instrument be not made/submitted	10.5
-laying of	10.1
-lead committee	10.2
-notice in Business Bulletin	5.9.2(h); 10.9.1
-Subordinate Legislation Committee (see that entry)
-withdrawal of	10.8.1
Subordinate Legislation Committee
-Bills
referral of	9.6.2; 9.7.9
reports on	9.6.3
-establishment	6.1.5(h) and 6(b)
-remit	6.11.1
-subordinate legislation
consideration	10.3
referral of	10.1.3
Tax-varying resolution
-motion for	8.10
-relationship with Budget Bill	9.16.7
Timetables for business	5.4.2
Vacancies	1.5
Voting
-casting vote	3.1.1(a) and (b); 5.3.1; 11.5.5; 11.6.6; 11.8.4(b)
-committees	11.8.3 and 4
-during divisions	11.6.2
-election of members of Parliamentary corporation	11.10
-election of Presiding Officer	11.9
-meeting of Parliament	11.7
-Parliamentary Bureau	5.3.4, 5 and 6
-right to vote	11.5
-selection of First Minister	11.10
Voting Procedures
-election of deputy Presiding Officers	11.9
-election of Parliamentary corporation	11.10
-election of Presiding Officer	11.9
-selection of First Minister	11.10
Voting Systems
-ballot	11.9
-electronic	11.7.1
-roll call vote	11.7.2 and 3
Witnesses and documents	2.6 and 12.4

Signed

Donald C. Dewar — Secretary of State for Scotland — 7th April 1999

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes transitory and transitional provisions by virtue of section 129(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 (“the Act”) regarding the standing orders of the Scottish Parliament and the publication of statements made under the authority of the Parliament.

Article 3 provides that the standing orders of the Scottish Parliament are contained in the rules set out in the Schedule to the Order.

Article 4 makes provision protecting a person against whom legal proceedings have been brought concerning statements published by that person where those statements are published or have been published under the authority of the Parliament. In particular, it requires the court, on production of a certificate by the Clerk of the Parliament, to make an order that no further steps are to be taken in the proceedings and the proceedings are then to be treated as concluded.

Article 5 of the Order provides that the publication of any statement in pursuance of any of the rules set out in the Schedule should be treated as a publication under the authority of the Parliament for the purposes of section 41 of the Scotland Act 1998 (defamatory statements) and article 4.

Articles 6 and 7 respectively provide that, unless earlier revoked by another order under section 129(1) of the Act,

• (a) the provisions of the Order relating to the standing orders of the Parliament (articles 3 and 5 and the Schedule) will cease to have effect on the date on which the first standing orders made by the Scottish Parliament come into force, subject to a savings provision; and

• (b) article 4 of the Order will cease to have effect on the day appointed by or under an Act of the Scottish Parliament.

Footnotes