Good afternoon, and welcome to the 24th meeting of the Finance Committee in 2008 in the third session of the Scottish Parliament. I ask members to turn off any mobile phones or pagers.
Given the written evidence that we have received from the health boards, could we invite some of them to come and justify their figures? There is certainly quite a discrepancy between what they are saying and what the Government is saying.
Do you have any health boards in mind? What criteria should we use?
NHS Ayrshire and Arran is saying very different things from what the others are saying. If we are examining the issue objectively, we need to consider both sides of the argument.
Do members have any other comments?
I suggest that if we take oral evidence of that nature, we do not confine it to health boards. There was a very persuasive and intelligent submission from the electoral returning officers—or whatever their technical title is.
The electoral registration committee of the Scottish Assessors Association.
That is exactly what I would have said, convener—thank you. It might be useful to invite them too.
Are members agreed?
Did we suggest health boards?
Yes.
If those suggested witnesses are not available, will the clerks see what they can do? It is obviously very short notice.
The clerks will take that in hand.