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09:34
Agenda item 2 is a decision on taking business in private. We have determined that we will take in private agenda item 6, as well as all future consideration of draft reports and correspondence to the Scottish Government. Do we all agree on that?
No.
Kate Campbell does not agree.
I would like to say a couple of words, convener.
We had a discussion before the meeting began, and I understand that other members are minded to take item 6 in private, so I will not push it to a vote; I think that I would be defeated if I were to try that. However, it is important to put on record that there are many different views about pre-budget scrutiny. Your views and mine are very different, convener, particularly regarding adult disability payment and mental health, and I think that that is not being properly reflected.
I will not go into the details of the letter. I know that we will have a discussion in private afterwards. I also understand that this is unusual, and that you would normally have discussions on such letters in private. However, we are a new Parliament, and, if it is not against the rules, perhaps we could consider changing the rules or doing things differently. I hope that, in future, if suggestions are made as to how we do things, they might be considered more openly.
I feel that the public should be able to see our discussions in relation to what we put forward and what comes out of this committee, having taken evidence. Putting on the record and sharing in public our views and our debate about how we arrive at a position is important for transparency. However, I am happy to recognise that we will have that discussion in private today.
Thank you. That is on the record.
I agree with Kate Campbell. Can I also double-check the wording of what you said, convener—was it to take this item and all future items in private? I do not know whether that was a misspeak, or if that is us deciding to take all future ones in private.
That is the standard wording and procedure, Mr Bouse. However, if we wanted to delete that and simply take this item in private, I would have no issue with that, if the committee is in broad agreement.
I would otherwise be really uncomfortable with agreeing to it.
In that case, I do not think that we are breaching any protocols if we agree simply to take this individual item in private. Kate Campbell’s comments are obviously on the record. I will be guided by the committee on whether I am perhaps required to go to the Conveners Group for further discussion on the general approach taken by the committee.
Do we agree to take item 6 in private?
Members indicated agreement.
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