Committees

Since being elected I have been a member of the Scottish Affairs select committee. The committee has conducted a number of investigations including the operation of Customs and Excise in Scotland and current affairs broadcasting. More details on the work that this committee is currently undertaking can be found at

http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_Committees/scottish_affairs_committee.cfm

I am a member of a number of all-party groups including those one fishing, offshore oil and gas and telecommunications.

I am also a member of the British-Irish Inter Parliamentary Body which is a forum for parliamentarians from across the UK and Ireland.

As well as serving on select Committees I often serve on standing Committees which examine new legislation in detail. Every bill has to go through a committee stage. It can be exceptionally tedious and frustrating work but can sometimes be rewarding when you win a (usually minor) battle. The Hansard for these Committees is at

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm/stand.htm

The Committees I have served on since I was elected in 2001 are

· Proceeds of Crime Bill 2002
· Enterprise Bill 2002
· Extradition Bill 2003
· Sunday Working (Scotland) Bill 2003
· Police (Northern Ireland) Bill 2003
· Crime (International Cooperation) Bill 2003
· Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Bill 2003