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I am sorry that we are starting a wee bit late. Welcome to the 10th meeting this year of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. I ask members of the public to switch off mobile phones and BlackBerrys. No apologies have been received.
No, but I will be happy to answer members' questions.
The registration form indicates the financial benefits that the group has accrued while being set up. Do you expect to receive similar levels of benefits to support the group's work in future?
I think so, convener. The individual who is providing the secretariat for the group is from the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and over time they will organise meetings, ensure that papers are issued, write up minutes and liaise with members of the group in and outwith the Parliament. I will not put a figure on that work, but the individual suggests that they might spend a day or two a week on such workâit will depend on how busy they are. We do not envisage a great number of meetings, but we hope that there will be wider activity around the group in the Parliament.
If the clerks do not think that that presents any issues for the committee, and if members have no further questions, do we agree to approve the establishment of the cross-party group on skills?
I thank John Park for attending. I am sorry that we could not detain you longer.
No, but I am content to answer questions.
The registration form indicates an intention to charge members a subscription. Have you agreed a level?
No, but we have decided that the subscription should be minimal and should perhaps just cover the group's secretarial costs.
You also indicate that you intend that an individual will make use of a parliamentary pass. Has the person been issued with a pass yet?
We have yet to go through that process. We decided that it would be good for the individual who provides secretarial support to have a strong dialogue with members of the Parliament who are active in the cross-party group, so it would make sense for them to have a parliamentary pass. The pass has not yet been issued.
Is it the group's intention to employ staff?
No, it is not. You have given me an opportunity to thank the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance, whose staff member, Ashay Ghai, will provide secretarial support for the group free of charge. We will not employ anyone.
If there are no further questions, do members agree to approve the establishment of the cross-party group on racial equality in Scotland?
I thank Bob Doris for coming.
Meeting continued in private until 17:05.