Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee,

Meeting date: Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Official Report 273KB pdf

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Highlands and Islands Local Economic Forums

Item 7 has now become item 6. We must decide from which three local economic forums we will take evidence. A paper has been circulated to members to suggest that as we are visiting Shetland, it would be logical to speak to Shetland local economic forum. Tavish Scott's remarks have reinforced the case for considering Shetland.

The paper also recommends taking evidence from Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey local economic forum, which has a peculiar local economic area, as it covers a lowland area and the Highlands and Islands, and Argyll and the Islands local economic forum, which covers a mixture of the mainland and small islands. Is that agreed?

It might be useful to hear from a representative of HIE. You may have considered that.

We will take evidence from HIE, as we did from Scottish Enterprise.

We have heard from Scottish Enterprise and it would be useful to have HIE's perspective on the scheme.

Sorry—we did not take evidence from Scottish Enterprise.

We took evidence from the minister—that is even better than Scottish Enterprise.

Is the recommendation agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

We will go into private to consider our report on the budget.

Meeting continued in private until 12:53.