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Item 4 is to discuss the appointment of our budget adviser. Again, members have a paper on the subject from the clerks. Are there any questions or comments on the paper?
It is important that we appoint an adviser because the budget is such a complicated area. I think that you were going to say that, convener—I am sorry that I jumped in there. We need a budget adviser; I just hope that it does not cost too much money and I hope that the cost is part of the budget.
For the sake of balance, might we add something to the person specification about the adviser being independent?
Independent?
Independent of mind. The last thing that we want as part of our parliamentary scrutiny is to have a party-political person as our adviser.
Of course.
It would be good for Parliament if we were to stipulate that the adviser should be independent.
Of mind. I think that that goes without saying—
It is not currently stipulated.
It is important that the budget adviser helps the whole committee rather than any one section of it. It is reasonable to find a way of achieving that.
Finally, do we agree to consider a list of candidates for the post of budget adviser in private at a future meeting?
Thank you. As previously agreed, the meeting will now move into private session.
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Reporter (European Union)