PE1493, by Peter John Gordon, is on a sunshine act for Scotland. Members have a note by the clerk, submissions and the SPICe briefing on international legislation. Obviously, there are a few options for action. Again, this is a strong and interesting petition.
One proposal is that we write to the Scottish Government to clarify what information it has requested from NHS boards and to confirm that all health board responses will be forwarded to the committee for consideration as written evidence. Other options include writing to the United Kingdom Department of Health.
I note that the Department of Health has indicated that it intends to provide a response. The issue involves quite a big principle and would have quite an important effect on policy. On this occasion, therefore, I am inclined to give a little more time to the process, as there might need to be a discussion that will inform any response that we receive. I would simply want to prompt those who have not responded at this stage, including the Scottish Government, to do so. I do not think that anyone is trying to frustrate our consideration of the issue; I just think that it would be better to consider the issue on a more informed basis.
David StewartLabThe Convener · Highlands and Islands
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