Item 4 is to consider our approach to the scrutiny of the financial memorandum to the Forth Crossing Bill. Members have a paper from the clerk that suggests that the committee might wish to adopt level 3 scrutiny. The paper suggests that we seek written evidence from financially affected organisations: the City of Edinburgh Council, Fife Council and the Forth Estuary Transport Authority. In addition, it suggests that we might wish to seek evidence from organisations and academics with an expertise in large-scale procurement projects. Is the committee content with those suggestions?
This might be implicit in the paper but, for the avoidance of doubt, I suggest that it would be helpful if we sought evidence from the Scottish Futures Trust.
Is that agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
Responses came from the councils that we are asking to give evidence, but Perth and Kinross Council and Dundee City Council were also very much involved. Are we limited to asking the City of Edinburgh Council and Fife Council for evidence because they are directly financially affected? I see the clerk nodding. That is fine.
Is that agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
Is the committee content to delegate to the deputy convener and me the responsibility for deciding on additional witnesses on the basis of written evidence?
Members indicated agreement.