Minutes: 05 November 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private.

2. Cross-Party Groups:

The Committee considered applications for recognition from four Cross-Party Groups, and took evidence from—

Finlay Carson, Proposed Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Forestry and Wood Processing Industries,
Willie Rennie, Proposed Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Pakistan,
Joe Long, Proposed Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Social Care, and
Murdo Fraser, Proposed Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Tourism and Hospitality.

3. Cross-Party Group - approval:

The Committee agreed to accord recognition to the proposed Cross-Party Groups on Forestry and Wood Processing Industries, Pakistan, Social Care, and Tourism and Hospitality.

4. Scottish Information Commissioner evidence session:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Hamilton, Commissioner,
Euan McCulloch, Head of Enforcement and
Paul Mutch, Depute Head of Policy and Information, Scottish Information Commission.

5. Review of evidence (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard under agenda item 4. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body about some matters raised in evidence-taking.

6. Work programme (in private):

The Committee reviewed its work programme. The Committee agreed to invite the Ethical Standards Commissioner for Public Life in Scotland to provide evidence on his annual report. The Committee agreed to hold a Business Planning Day in early 2027.