Less legislation promise by First Minister
Commitment to fewer and better bills if returned to power
The First Minister Jack McConnell has promised a less intensive, and better scrutinised, legislative programme as a Labour manifesto commitment for the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Criticisms have been expressed that new bills are inadequately scrutinised at Holyrood, due to the pressure to get a heavy legislative programme through and the single-chamber nature of the Scottish Parliament, and that some Acts have been poorly drafted as a result.
Mr McConnell also said that for every new regulation created, another one should be removed in a bid to cut back on bureaucracy and red tape.
New laws would have "sunset clauses", i.e. they would be time limited in effect unless MSPs voted renew them. The Liberal Democrats have previously made a similar call.
The First Minister set a target to reduce the administrative burden on individuals and businesses by 25% by 2012, with some forms being electronically produced and completed.
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