Speaking this morning before the committee began its consideration of a report setting out a proposed new private Bill procedure, Convener Murray Tosh said:

"Most commonly private Bills are promoted by organisations such as Railtrack or local authorities seeking the authority of Parliament to carry out major projects. Schemes such as city cross-rail links and new tram networks are typical examples. Indeed, a private Bill may well be required for any future Borders rail link.

"These sorts of projects can have a big impact on people’s lives and we need to make sure that our new procedures are genuinely open, accessible and participative.

"It is essential that we have a thorough process whereby those possibly affected are consulted and have their voices heard.

"The Committee is, therefore, keen to hear from individuals or organisations who have had past involvement or experience of private legislation procedure, either by raising an objection to a proposed Bill or by attending and giving evidence to a local Inquiry in support of that objection.

"Ideally, our Committee would like to hear about:

• any problems you encountered in accessing the procedure system or gathering information about a private legislation proposal;

• how you were informed by the promoter of the proposal;

• how understandable were the procedures;

• what general concerns, if any, you had about the whole process; and

• what was the personal financial cost to you of participating in the process;

"We would also like to receive comments on the report of the Private Bill Working Group itself."

The Committee would welcome written evidence of up to four A4 pages. Wherever possible to help with our administration, this should be submitted by email to:

fergus.cochrane@scottish.parliament.uk

or alternatively on computer disk in Word 97 with a single additional paper copy enclosed. This should be addressed to Fergus Cochrane, Scottish Parliament, Room G15, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Anyone else wishing to submit evidence but who does not have access to a computer is equally welcome to do so (same address applies). All evidence should be submitted no later than 13 October.

In the light of the written evidence received, some parties may be invited to appear before the committee on Tuesday 24 October to give oral evidence on their experiences in this area. At this meeting, the committee will consider further the Working Group’s Report Private Legislation Procedure in the Scottish Parliament. Anyone wishing a copy should also contact Fergus Cochrane.

Anyone wishing further information can contact Fergus Cochrane on 0131 348 5181 or by email.

BACKGROUND NOTES

High profile, pre-devolution Scottish cases of private legislation include:

• The City of Edinburgh Rapid Transport scheme which seeks to develop a guided busway between Edinburgh airport and the city centre.

• The Glasgow Cross Rail project promoted by Railtrack plc which would have allowed the construction of a rail system across the city.

• The lending by the City of Glasgow Council of the Burrell art collection.

Authorisation for the Jim Clark Memorial Rally to take place on certain public roads in Berwickshire.