Scottish Parliament

The Justice Committee considered a series of amendments, from the government and MSPs, as it continued its scrutiny of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill at 10am on 11 May 2010.

The bill, which was introduced on 5 March 2009 by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, will make provisions in areas such as sentencing, alcohol licensing, drugs and criminal court procedures.

Mr MacAskill put forward amendments on a wide range of issues including licensing laws and tackling corruption in public bodies.

An amendment from SNP MSP Sandra White, which called for a tougher licensing regime for lap dancing clubs, was withdrawn after the Justice Secretary agreed to look at the issue and address some unintended consequences of the amendment.

The committee concluded its scrutiny of the bill at this stage.

MSPs then considered the impact of the European Commission's Work Programme for 2010 and agreed to take evidence from the parliament's European Officer Ian Duncan.