Official Report 227KB pdf
The final item on the agenda is consideration of a letter from Lloyd Quinan about the minutes of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and Parliamentary Bureau. The letter raises two issues. First, I assume that when Mr Quinan refers in his letter to "full minutes", he means a very substantial minute instead of simply a decision minute. Although we receive summary minutes from the SPCB, we do not get them from the bureau; however, I understand that the bureau has been discussing—or is about to discuss—issuing such minutes.
The bureau has been discussing the issue in relation to Donald Gorrie's paper, which makes the same point. For example, if we were asked to consider inviting a foreign dignitary, we might not wish to make it public that we had decided that the invitation was not appropriate. We need to resolve such issues before we reach an agreement. However, the bureau will consider the matter today and later in the month.
Would it be appropriate to progress the matter by inviting our clerks to liaise with Parliamentary Bureau and SPCB officials and to produce a report in the fullness of time? This is another area where it might be best to evolve an agreement that would be brought to the committee, instead of the committee considering a report and making demands on people. Perhaps the bureau and the SPCB should give their response, and then we can consider the issues. Obviously, if we are not happy with the response, we can pursue matters and inform Lloyd Quinan in the meantime. Does that seem a reasonable way to proceed?
If it is helpful. However, speaking personally, I did not want verbatim minutes such as, "Iain Smith said X" and "Mike Russell said Y", which seems to be what Lloyd Quinan is asking for. That is asking too much. That said, the decisions of the two bodies should be in public view, although I understand Iain Smith's point about tact.
Okay. I think that we have concluded our business. We have had a full demonstration of the glittering array of parliamentary talent as a succession of officers has appeared before us. We have finished slightly after midday, which is disappointing. Never mind—the meeting was taken reasonably crisply for the most part and I thank everyone for their attendance.
Meeting closed at 12:02.
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