Dundee University questions praised as MSPs discuss effectiveness of committees

The work of a Holyrood committee in grilling Dundee University officials has been praised as MSPs and experts discussed the effectiveness of the Scottish Parliament’s system.

The BBC’s former political editor Brian Taylor said committees are the “engine room” of the parliament, saying the Education Committee had done a good job in questioning Dundee University officials.

On Thursday, the Standards Committee held a roundtable discussion with academics and others involved in legislatures, examining how committees can be effective.

I don't suppose the Dundee University team will readily forget their appearance before the committee yesterday, that was a job well done

Mr Taylor, who retired from his role at the broadcaster in 2020 and is also a columnist for The Herald, highlighted the role of committee members building up an expertise in subject matters.

During an evidence session on Wednesday, Dundee University’s new principal admitted “misleading” information had been given about the institution’s finances as he faced rigorous questions from MSPs on the Education Committee.

Mr Taylor said: “I don’t suppose the Dundee University team will readily forget their appearance before the committee yesterday, that was a job well done.”

He said committees must seek to “ventilate” issues which are important to the people they serve.

Mr Taylor continued: “Don’t kick yourself too much, I think the committee system is doing – in terms of the CSG (consultative steering group) comparison – pretty well. It’s still the engine room of the parliament.”

Sir David Natzler, a former clerk of the House of Commons, also spoke to the Standards Committee.

He said the topics chosen by some committees are inherently more “blood raising” than others.

The Public Audit Committee has a regular stream of attention-grabbing reports coming from Audit Scotland, he said, which are often the envy of other committees.

He said: “It’s really annoying for the other committees who don’t have the backing of National Audit Office or Audit Scotland.”

Sir David urged Holyrood committees to use their investigative powers wisely, as unlike in Westminster they also have a role in legislative scrutiny which takes up members’ time.

While discussing how committees can be made more interesting, he advised chairs to avoid “stunts” and noted Westminster has procedures which can rein in “celebrity chairs”.