Item 1 on the agenda relates to two complaints regarding the alleged unauthorised disclosure at the weekend of a draft Health and Community Care Committee report. We should not discuss the substance of the allegations or otherwise prejudice any investigation by the standards adviser. The only issue for us is to determine whether the Standards Committee can accept a complaint that does not conform to the format that is set out in the code of conduct for MSPs. Is it acceptable to members for the committee to proceed on that basis?
The clerk has prepared briefing notes for members, which set out the committee's remit in this matter. Members should note that our remit—and, therefore, that of our adviser—is limited to the conduct of members of the Scottish Parliament. The actions of Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body staff and contractors are outside our remit.
Can the committee also write to the chief executive of the Parliament, inviting his co-operation in the process? That would be helpful.
I am sure that we could do that. Do members have any other comments?
The adviser will want to speak to a number of people, and it would be in the interests of the Parliament and the committees if that could be done as quickly as possible. We should tell the adviser that we would like the investigation to be conducted thoroughly but concluded in the shortest possible time.
I am sure that the committee is agreed on that. We must ensure that all investigations are swift but thorough. The wishes of the committee will be made clear to Gary Watson.