Michael McCarthy (Labour)

For the purposes of clarity, section 78(4)(c) of the Bill reads as follows: "evidence that the Fitness to Practise Committee decides is appropriate to and will assist it with its inquiry, such as the testimony of a person who has expertise in an area of veterinary science, or any other area that is relevant to the inquiry, or the testimony of the applicant." My amendment proposes to delete this paragraph. As it currently stands, the interpretation of that subsection suggests that the fitness to practise committee can require the applicant to give evidence against himself or herself. Our interpretation is that the current wording is inappropriate. I hope the Minister will be as practical this morning as she was last night and accept my amendment.