We now move on to item 4 on the agenda, which was raised by Alex Neil in a letter that is submitted again. We have a report and the view is that we should write to committee conveners—and use the conveners liaison group—to express this committee's view that all committees should be aware of their witnesses' interests in whatever matter is under discussion, without necessarily making people go through elaborate formulae where they attest to interests.
Could that be done in the form of a precursory question sent out to witnesses?
It is more likely that the committee clerks will identify people who have a particular interest and will ensure that, when witnesses give evidence, they understand what the score is and that they should be above board in declaring anything that might inhibit or colour their evidence in any way.
In serious circumstances, committees have the option, if they are worried, to ask for evidence to be given under oath, in which case failure to declare an interest when questioned is contempt and a criminal offence.
Is that okay?
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