Item 1 is on discussing item 5 in private, as has been suggested by a committee member. Item 5 is consideration of items for inclusion in the committee's forward work programme. Do members have a view on whether we should discuss that item in private?
I would like the committee to consider discussing item 5 in public because the subject matter is not confidential, nor will we be discussing a draft report. I know that the trend of committees meeting in private is increasing, but it would benefit the wider public to know our thoughts when we set out our future programme.
Are there any alternative views? Do any members think that we should consider item 5 in private?
It would be better to consider item 5 in private. It is clear that the forward work programme will be published for all to see after our discussion. Other committees tend to discuss their work programmes in private and I suggest that we discuss item 5 in private.
On this occasion, there is an argument for having the discussion in public. A number of issues have been proposed as candidates for possible discussion and it would be useful to have a public debate about them. The public should hear members' views on those issues, so it would be helpful to hold item 5 in public. I am sure that we could deal subsequently with housekeeping and timing in private.
Are we content to go ahead and hold the discussion in public?
I still feel that it should be held in private.
Are there any alternative views?
I seek clarification. Have we discussed such items in public before? Do we normally discuss them in private?
It has been done both ways, but in this case a member requested that it be considered in private.
I suggest that we discuss in public the subjects that we will work on, then go into private session to work out the timetable, because that is housekeeping.
Are members happy with that?