Transport and the Environment Committee, 13 Feb 2002
Meeting date: Wednesday, February 13, 2002
Official Report
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Scottish Parliament Transport and the Environment Committee Wednesday 13 February 2002 (Morning)
[The Convener opened the meeting at 09:37]
I welcome members of the public and the press to this meeting of the Transport and the Environment Committee.
The committee should make prompt progress with business today as there is a special meeting of the Parliament at 12 o'clock when there is a motion of condolence for Princess Margaret. We should aim to finish considerably before then if possible. I therefore ask members to co-operate in making progress with our business.
I have received apologies from Fiona McLeod, who will be late. She should be here by about 10.30 am.
Before we proceed to items on the agenda, I advise members that I received a letter from the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development this morning on the water industry charges exemption scheme for voluntary organisations. I do not propose to debate that issue today, as there will be plenty of opportunities to do so tomorrow at the stage 3 debate of the Water Industry (Scotland) Bill. However, I have asked the clerks to copy the letter and ensure that all members of the committee have copies so that they are equipped with the Executive's proposals in advance of tomorrow's debate.
Will you disclose—
I would prefer not to disclose the content, Mr Scott. You will get a copy of the letter before the end of the meeting. I suspect that disclosing the content would provoke a debate on the issue. I am only advising members out of courtesy that I have received the letter.
You are advising us that the letter is contentious.
I am not advising you that it is contentious. I am trying to concentrate on the business that we have before us, as we will be able to discuss the water industry in tomorrow's plenary debate.