Agenda item 4 is consideration of an approach paper to our scrutiny of the draft budget. As the process is more limited in non-spending-review years such as this year, the suggested approach is that we take formal evidence only from the minister. The paper also suggests that, in line with previous practice, we hold an external meeting. Any work that we decide to do on efficient government can be factored into the timetable in addition to the work that is set out in the paper. Members should not think that they are getting an easy ride.
Are you looking for suggestions for geographic locations?
I could take some, if you wish to make them.
Given that we have done Orkney, Skye, Kirkcudbright—which qualifies—and Perth—
And Motherwell.
Yes, and Cupar. If we start to colour in a map of the places that we have been to, some obvious gaps appear. I am thinking of places such as Argyll and Bute, Caithness, Inverness and Aberdeen. If we are to cover the territory, we will need to visit places like that. It would be good for the committee to be seen to be gradually colouring in the map.
Members should send suggestions to the clerk and we will come up with a list of places that we might go to. We will make a decision at the appropriate time, which might be at our next meeting or the away day. Are we agreed?
I will get the clerk to circulate something in due course.
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Efficient Government