| 12 September 2011 |
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| Next business in the Chamber |
 Business in the Chamber begins on Wednesday at 2 pm with Time for Reflection from Michel Syrett, Mental Health Champion, Action in Mind
Wednesday's agenda includes:
• Ministerial Statement: Post-16 Reform
• Scottish Government Debate: Government’s Economic Strategy
• Members’ Business from Rob Gibson MSP: Remembering the Russian Arctic Convoys
Thursday's business begins at 9.15am and includes:
• First Minister’s Question Time at midday
• Themed Question Time: Education and Lifelong Learning
• Scottish Government Debate: Scotland Bill – Corporation Tax
• Members’ Business from Hugh Henry MSP: Upper Clyde Shipbuilders |
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| Expert witnesses announced by Scotland Bill Committee |
 A series of eight meetings to hear a range of expert opinions on increased powers for the Scottish Parliament was announced today by the Scotland Bill Committee.
Scheduled across September, October and November, the evidence gathering sessions will assist the parliamentary committee to reach a view on matters including new borrowing powers for Holyrood, devolution of corporation tax, income tax and control over the Crown Estates by Scottish Ministers. |
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| Local business people’s views wanted by economy committee |
 The views of local business people are being sought as part of an inquiry launched today into Business Gateway by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.
The committee would like to hear from business people across Scotland who use the Business Gateway service which is designed to offer advice and information to start up and existing businesses.
It is particularly interested in hearing about the strengths and weaknesses of the service and how the committee could recommend any changes to the new Business Gateway contract which will be retendered by local authorities in 2012. |
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| Committee launches Inquiry into educational attainment of looked after children |
 The Education and Culture Committee is examining why the educational attainment of looked after children has not improved significantly since devolution, despite the considerable volume of policy, guidance and legislation in this area.
‘Looked after children’ includes those looked after at home, in foster care or other community placement, or in residential care.
Scottish Government statistics show that, in addition to fewer qualifications, looked after children tend to have poorer school attendance records, higher rates of school exclusion and are less likely to go onto employment, further or higher education, training or voluntary work after leaving school. |
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Tuesday's committee business will include: