Item in Private
Good afternoon, everyone and welcome to the committee. I have received apologies from Dorothy-Grace Elder.
The first agenda item is to discuss is whether the committee is happy to discuss part of item 3 on the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Bill in private. I propose that we discuss publicly the concerns that were raised about excessive security on 5 February, when the deputy convener was in the chair. At that point, the minister agreed to go come back with further amendments to try to alleviate committee members' anxiety. I suggest that we discuss in public suggested amendments and papers from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and the Law Society of Scotland. I propose that we then move into private session for the second part of item 3, when we will hear further evidence from the minister on the issue. That will allow full and frank discussions to help us come up with a solution.
We will discuss item 4 on hepatitis C in private, again to allow for a full discussion of possible options and legal measures.
Members indicated agreement.