Commentary on Sections Power to specify requirements about the register
83.Section 15 provides that the Scottish Parliament may by resolution make provision about Part 2 of the Act.
84.The Act sets the overarching statutory framework for a lobbying register. The Act provides flexibility for making provision about the operational detail of the registration scheme (the framework for which is provided for in Part 2 of the Act) without the need for primary legislation. That includes in particular flexibility to make provision about the duties of the Clerk on whom functions are conferred in relation to the register, obligations on those wishing to register and those registered and more generally management of the register and information contained in it.
85.Section 15(1)(a) to (i) provides a non-exhaustive list of examples of what resolutions made under this section may make provision about. Section 15(2) provides that a resolution made under this section may modify sections 4 to 14. The power will ensure that the Parliament has the ability to make any further detailed operational provision considered necessary or appropriate before the lobbying register goes live. The principal reason for conferring the power is though to allow the Parliament to make further detailed operational provision, or to adjust existing provision, in connection with the lobbying register in light of practical experience over time.
86.Section 48 makes provision in relation to the process to be followed in relation to parliamentary resolutions, including provision for them to be published in the same way as Scottish statutory instruments so that they are published in a recognised format and easily accessible.