Labour MSP Claudia Beamish asks about action to stop illegal scallop dredging.

Image source, Getty/PA/BBC

Click here to view the full list of general questions., external

Image source, PA/BBC

After general questions, we will provide extensive coverage of first minister's questions.

Then SNP MSP Emma Harper uses a member's debate slot to highlight World AIDS Day.

After lunch, MSPs debate the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Bill for the first time.

The support for families with multiple births, external petition calls for better support for families who have multiple births (twins, triplets, etc).

The committee agrees to write to both the UK and Scottish government for further information on social security and broader support (including whether a baby box for twins would be beneficial).

The convener closes the committee.

Image source, RSPCA

The Sale and use of glue traps, external petition calls for the ban of their use to trap wild animals.

MSPs agree to invite the Pest and Managment Alliance to to provide evidence to the committee.

Image source, RSPCA

Image source, SPL

The sale and marketing of energy drinks to under sixteens, external is the next petition to be considered.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle says usually he is sceptical of legislation to force a change in behaviour, he accepts this is an endemic problem.

He welcomes that the Scottish government is conducting an in-depth study and recommends the petition be closed.

The committee duly does so.

• Call to ban sale of high energy drinks to under-16s
• Not enough evidence for energy drink ban
• 'My 3,000 calorie-a-day addiction to energy drinks rules my life'

Image source, BEAR SCOTLAND

On the Permanent solution to the A83, external petition, MSPs agree to write to the government, following the closure of the Old Military Road at the Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll after a series of landslides in October.

Heavy rain and strong winds caused the landslips which forced the closure of both the A83 and the Old Military Road.

Image source, bbc

The committee considers:

• Permanent solution to the A83, external
• Sale and marketing of energy drinks to under sixteens, external
• Sale and use of glue traps, external
• Support for families with multiple births, external

Image source, Scottish Court Service

MSPs now consider soul and conscience letters., external

This petition urges the Scottish government to review the use of soul and conscience letters in criminal proceedings and to produce guidance for the courts and GP practices on the use of these letters, including alternatives to court appearances if an accused person is deemed unfit to attend in person.

The committee convener says the petitioner says doctors do not have a good enough understanding of what they are being asked to write.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle suggests writing to the Scottish government and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, to find out about abuse of the court system.

Convener Johann Lamont says the role of the GP in this would be important to establish and the committee agrees to also write to the BMA and the Law Society.

Image source, OBERLANDER ARCHITECTS/RURAL DESIGN ARCHITECTS

Committee members agree it may be worthwhile for the Scottish government to re-examine the need for community and cottage hospitals, noting in particular concerns about delayed discharge.

The committee agrees to write to the Scottish government.

MSPs will now discuss two further new petitions:

• Community hospital and council care home services, external
• Soul and conscience letters, external

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Johann Lamont says she understands the Portuguese law provides an opt-out in the provision of vegan food when there is no demand.

Mr Banahan says the opt-out is only in very rare cases where zero demand can be demonstrated and that would not be the best way to go in Scotland.

Ms Lamont asks if demand could not drive the public sector like the private sector.

The Vegan Society argues the demand is there and is skewed towards the younger generations.

The committee convener suggests the committee get more information on this petition and MSPs suggest writing to public sector food providers, health boards and local authorities.

That is agreed, as is writing to the Scottish government on the issue.

SNP MSP Angus Macdonald says he understands the Good Food Nation Bill has not been dropped but will be incorporated into an Agriculture Bill.

Turning to the environment, Mr Macdonald notes the benefits of reducing demand for meat.

Mr Banahan says there is no way to meet the 1.5C targets if the livestock industry does not reduce emissions.

Even a free-range, pasture fed cow causes significant damage the environment, he adds.

Diets are changing but not enough to meet the targets the Scottish government has committed to, he warns.

Barbara Bolton of Go Vegan Scotland says when you are going into hospital you can't make plans in advance.

People are having to rely on friends and families, or helpful nurses going to the shop and that's not an inclusive society, Ms Bolton adds.

In schools parents are being told their children will not be provided for, she explains, citing a mother who is getting "push back" on trying to get vegan meals for her daughter.

Image source, bbc

Is there enough substantive evidence to suggest local authorities are not committing to this, asks Ms Hamilton.

Ms Bolton replies she'd love to see a statement on this issue from every local authority.

She adds that there has been a very long lead into the proposed Good Food Nation Bill and adds she does not wish to see this kicked into the long grass.

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton says many public and private sector bodies are having to cater to a range of needs, such as gluten-free, kosher and halal.

She wonders about the costs of providing all these options and training staff to be able to provide them.

The Vegan Society's Mark Banahan insists it does not have to cost more and "it can actually be cheaper".

He points to schools doing meat-free Mondays and finding it saves money, which has been used to purchase locally-sourced food.

Studies have indicated vegan options are 40% cheaper than non-vegan food, Mr Banahan says.

He is uncertain about the costs for hospitals and of staff training, but offers to get this information to the committee later.

Ms Bolton says it is important to clarify veganism is not just about diet but also recognising that animals are alive and should not be killed for you for any reason.

Every vegan is plant-based, but not everyone who follows a plant-based diet is a vegan, explains the lawyer.

Mr Banahan says this petition is about providing vegan food in public settings and people who have gone vegan for health reasons would still require it.

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Johann Lamont asks about misunderstanding and misinformation.

Ms Bolton replies most people think it is just about diet and a personal choice, and if people understand that it is someone doing their best to avoid animal exploitation or the killing of animals, that would change.

She says if people accepted veganism was like any other fundamental conviction, religious or non-religious, then their might be more understanding.

Mr Whittle expresses concern about the lack of knowledge around nutrition to be able to provide suitable meals in schools.

Mark Banahan agrees more must be done in education and on increasing awareness - though he adds this does not just apply for vegan diets.

Childhood obesity is a real issue and that isn't from eating vegan food, he highlights.

A vegan diet can help with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions Mr Banahan says.

Ms Bolton says the vegan parents tend to be much more knowledgeable about non-vegan parents on this.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Brian Whittle asks at what age should school children have access to vegan school meals.

"At all ages," replies Barbara Bolton.

Mr Whittle points out it can take a lot of application to maintain a healthy vegan diet without supplements.

Mr Banahan disputes this and says they have a dietitian who can provide meal plans.

Vitamin B12 may require a supplement, but in calorific intake there would be no issue, he elucidates.

Germany's strongest man is a vegan and has no difficulty getting the huge muscles he has, adds Barbara Bolton.

She adds Vitamin B12 supplement is necessary for everyone now due to soil depletion.

Image source, Getty Images

Ms Bolton says there is still a perception that "vegans are affluent and are eating avocados every day".

That's not the case, she insists.

She reiterates her opinion it is not fair that children who would be eligible for free school meals cannot get them.