Cross-party Group
I welcome everyone to the seventh meeting in 2008 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. I remind members, witnesses and members of the public to switch off their mobile phones and BlackBerrys.
We have apologies from Cathie Craigie, Hugh O'Donnell and Jamie McGrigor. I welcome Trish Godman, who is the committee substitute for Cathie Craigie.
Before we consider item 1, I place on record our thanks to Peter McGrath, the former clerk to the committee, who has moved on to be clerk to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee, and I welcome Gillian Baxendine, who is our new clerk.
The committee is asked to agree to the establishment of a cross-party group on Russia, which has not previously been active. Members are aware that in considering whether to approve a proposed cross-party group they should take account of a range of matters, such as the group's purpose and whether it has been formed on the basis of public interest.
The proposed new CPG's treasurer is Des McNulty, who was going to represent the group at this meeting but is not able to be here. I should mention that I intend to be a member of the group.
If members have no comments or questions, are you happy to approve the establishment of the CPG?
Members indicated agreement.