At its meeting on 19 February 2008 the European and External Relations Committee agreed to conduct a short inquiry on the Scottish Government’s approach to the transposition and implementation of the Services Directive.

The Services Directive was agreed on 12 December 2006 and must be implemented into domestic law by 28 December 2009. This is a far reaching Directive the aim of which is to develop a single market in the services sector by breaking down barriers to cross-border trade within the EU thereby making it easier for businesses to set up in another Member State or to provide services across borders on a temporary basis. The transposition and implementation of the Directive will have implications for the devolved administrations. The Services Directive can be found by clicking here.

Inquiry Remit

The remit of the inquiry is to examine the transposition and implementation of the Services Directive as it relates to Scottish interests.  In particular, the Committee is seeking responses to the following questions—

• What are the key issues of relevance to Scotland raised by the Services Directive?
• What are the key issues for Scottish stakeholders during the transposition process?
• Should the Services Directive be implemented on a UK-wide basis or should devolved aspects be implemented by the Scottish Government? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
• Should there be a Point of Single Contact in Scotland?
• Should there be national liaison points to cover Scotland?
• What discussions have stakeholders had or plan to have with the Scottish Government on how the Directive should be implemented; in particular, whether it should be implemented on a UK-wide basis?
• Any comments on the Scottish Government’s responses to the Convener’s letter (see link above)?

Format of the Inquiry

Following a call for written evidence, the Committee held an oral evidence session at its meeting on 27 May 2008.

Click here to view the collated written evidence received (360 KB)

Click here to view the Summary of Evidence (134KB posted on 27.6.2008)

Any queries relating to the inquiry can be made by contacting Lucy Scharbert, Assistant Clerk to the Committee on 0131 348 5232 or by e-mailing europe@scottish.parliament.uk.

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000

For general enquiries, contact 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk