We will take item 2 in private.
On a point of order. I have no objection to item 2, on consideration of lines of questioning on the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill, being taken in private, but I object to item 6 being taken in private. I record that at this point and suggest that the item be taken in public.
We agreed at our last meeting that we would take item 2 in private. Item 3, which will be taken in public, will include a discussion on whether we take item 6 in private. I hope that that is not too confusing.
That is fine.
We move to item 2.
Meeting continued in private.
Meeting resumed in public.
We move to item 3. First, I suggest that at the meeting on 14 February, we discuss the format of our report on the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Bill in private, as is usual with draft reports. Is that agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
Secondly, we must consider whether item 6, a discussion of the paper from the conveners group on increasing the effectiveness of committees, should be taken in private. I believe that Phil Gallie has a reservation.
Yes. I feel that there is a degree of creeping secrecy, which does not fit this open Parliament. I do not see anything in the report that means that the item should be taken in private. I suggest that it should be taken in public.
I have no problem with that. The only problem is that the paper has been designated a private paper, presumably by the conveners group, so it would not be available to the public, which might hamper their understanding of our debate. However, I am quite happy for the debate to be in public.
I question why the conveners group has determined that this should be a secret paper. I suggest that we accept your guidance on that, but hold the debate in public.
I take your point. I can check why it is a private paper; it may be that the bureaucracy automatically made it a private paper without giving it a great deal of thought. I suspect that it may be a sin of omission rather than a sin of commission. We will have the debate in public.
Thank you very much.
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