[The Convener opened the meeting at 10:08]
Comrades, we will start now because we are running late.
What about Colin Campbell's pacemaker?
Well, there's a thing. Can you switch it off, Colin?
A few of us would like to.
That is agist.
Is the committee prepared to take items 3 and 4 in private? Item 3 is the report on the budget and item 4 is a discussion, which Kenny Gibson asked for, on restructuring the committees. We usually take draft reports in private. I know that members are not happy to take items in private. Are we agreed to take those items in private?
Members indicated agreement.
I had been asked to be a reporter to the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee in relation to its views on the budget process. It is taking evidence from the minister on the budget process today and will discuss those matters. I am here because we are debating the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Bill, so I advise the committee that I will not be able to attend that meeting of the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee today.
I am in a similar position. I was hoping to take evidence from the Transport and the Environment Committee, but I cannot do so, because the two committee meetings clash.
We will deal with those matters when we discuss the report.