Tory MSP Graham Simpson expresses concern about a "woolly phrase" in relation to funding for the scheme, specifically pointing to the section which says: "Scottish ministers may make payments as they feel appropriate."

Ms Lennon explains it is designed to give flexibility to ensure such matters can be addressed in the future.

Government may want to work in collaboration with public bodies on this and this approach is common in other legislation, she adds.

Would you accept that wording does not guarantee proper funding in the future, Mr Simpson asks.

We could take such an approach but this would be unusual, she replies.

Monica Lennon explains she is relaxed about how a right to period products would be delivered on the ground, whether through a voucher scheme, a C-card style system, external or otherwise.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson expresses concern that this is too flexible, asking what is the point of the bill if the outcome is "too much of a moveable feast".

What are the red lines, he asks.

The principle of universality, replies Ms Lennon.

Image source, Getty Images

Free sanitary products will be available in more public places after the Scottish government committed another £4m to tackle period poverty.

Libraries and leisure centres are among venues that will have free products after they were offered in schools, colleges and universities in August 2018.

The funding will be given to councils who will work with other organisations to meet local needs.

Read more.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack expresses concern about the snowballing costs, including postal delivery.

Ms Lennon says the bill does not mandate postal delivery but that would be an option for ministers to take.

She says this bill would help towards changing the culture around periods, which could lead to more period-friendly work places.

The rising popularity of reusable products, such as menstrual cups, is also highlighted, which would reduce costs long term.

She says councils such as North Ayrshire Council have seen costs start to fall since schemes were established.

Ms Lennon suggests uptake would be low in practice because, in response to consultation, many women said they would continue to purchase their own preferred products.

But there is acceptance that such an initiative would provide a safety net for those who struggle to meet the costs, she adds.

Tory MSP Graham Simpson says he is "struggling to understand what the general principle of the bill is", saying it attempts to create universal access even though Ms Lennon accepts not everyone would use it.

If we believe in wanting to secure period dignity for everyone, universal provision is the right approach, the Labour MSP replies.

Mr Simpson suggests a targeted approach may be more appropriate but Ms Lennon disagrees, suggesting a scheme should be inclusive.

Girlguiding Scotland has said it is "disappointed" that the Scottish government is not supporting a legal guarantee of free period products.

The organisation said it believed a new law would have helped end the stigma around periods.

Minister Aileen Campbell has said "legislation is not required".

Labour MSP Monica Lennon said it was "deeply disappointing" that the government would not back a bill she proposed on the issue.

Read more

Ms Lennon says period dignity is a "struggle for too many" and this bill will ensure all those who menstruate have a right to free menstrual products.

The Labour MSP says she will be meeting with the cabinet secretary next week to continue discussions about this bill.

She argues only taking a targeted approach will miss people out that struggle to access period products but do not technically fall into the brackets of low income.

Women with endometriosis, children and young people who do not have access to their own money, trans men and domestic abuse victims are among those who may miss out, she warns.

Legislation is the only guarantee that the positive initiative taken forward by the Scottish government will continue and not be undone by future administrations, she says.

"We would be the first country in the world to take this step, but it is the right thing to do."

Convener James Dornan welcomes...

• Labour MSP Monica Lennon
• Kirsty-Louise Hunt, a staffer with Scottish Labour
• Claudia Bennett from the Scottish Parliament
• Mary Dinsdale from the Scottish Parliament
• Andrew Mylne from the Scottish Parliament

Image source, Getty Images

The Local Government and Communities Committee will begin shortly.

It is considering the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill, external for the final time before publishing its recommendations.

The bill has been brought forward by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who will be giving evidence this morning.

View the papers here. , external

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to BBC Scotland's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 15 January 2020.

We begin the day with the Local Government and Communities Committee, which is taking evidence on the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill.

The member in charge of the bill, Monica Lennon, is giving evidence.

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart leads a lunchtime member's debate on the role of independent prison monitors, to be followed by rural economy and transport portfolio questions.

Then the Scottish Tories have the floor for the afternoon, choosing to focus their debate time on education.

Finally, Green MSP John Finnie will highlight World Wetlands Day in the evening member's debate.