Official Report 336KB pdf
I welcome committee members, the first group of witnesses and members of the public to the 28th meeting in 2004 of the Local Government and Transport Committee. Before I introduce our witnesses, we will deal with a couple of brief items of business. The first of those is consideration of items in private. I ask members to consider taking in private agenda item 6, which relates to the possible contents of our report on the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 inquiry. Are members content that we take that item in private?
Please note my usual dissent.
Absolutely.
Sorry, convener, but two items are down to be taken in private this afternoon. The other is item 5, on forthcoming Sewel motions.
I do not propose that we consider that item in private, if that has the agreement of the committee.
Okay. That is not what the agenda states, but I am delighted.
Why does the agenda state that
It is simply that, when the agenda was sent out, the clerks had not had a full opportunity to consult me on the issue and my view is that we should take item 5 in public. That is the only reason for the change and I am sure that the committee will agree with my view.
I am delighted that the fresh air of democracy is blowing through the meeting, but the press were aware that, on the agenda, it was proposed that the item should be taken in private. However, I guess that, if the press are here, they can watch this space and hear the public debate later on.
Absolutely.