Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, 26 Feb 2008

Meeting date: Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Official Report 230KB pdf

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Cross-party Group

Item 2 concerns cross-party groups. Members are aware that, in considering whether to approve proposed cross-party groups, we should take account of a range of matters, such as a group's purpose and whether it is being formed on the basis of public interest. The proposed cross-party group that we are considering today is on science and technology.

I welcome Elaine Murray, who is the group's convener. I apologise to her for the time that we have taken to get to this point on the agenda. Does she wish to make any comments?

No, I am happy to take any questions that the committee has. Science and technology are of increasing interest, particularly given the importance of science to the Scottish economy. The proposed cross-party group is an opportunity to speak further with the scientific community about a number of topics, such as education and training.

Will you confirm that the group does not receive any financial or material benefits that exceed the £250 registration requirement?

It does not at the moment. Our secretariat is provided by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which will provide tea and coffee at our next meeting, I believe. Should the value of its donations exceed £250, we will of course complete the appropriate form and ensure that it is declared.

If committee members have no other questions, do we agree to approve the cross-party group on science and technology?

Members indicated agreement.