1. The Scottish budget process in practice:

The Committee took evidence from—

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and Alasdair Black, Deputy Director, Budget and Fiscal Coordination, Scottish Government.

2. Cost-effectiveness of Scottish public inquiries:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Sandy Cameron CBE.

John Mason declared an interest as a chartered accountant.

Liz Smith declared an interest as providing case notes to an inquiry which may be used as evidence as the inquiry progresses.

Michael Marra declared an interest as being involved in, and providing information to, an inquiry.

3. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered and agreed its work programme.

The Committee agreed to seek clarification from the Scottish Government on a Contingent Liability.