Item 2 on the agenda is consideration of the committee's work programme for September to December 2002. From paper AU/02/11/1, members will see that the draft programme has been drawn up in consultation with Audit Scotland. Members may wish to note that, in coming weeks, consideration must be given to planning our work programme in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections next year. I invite comments from members about the programme.
It is important that we do not take on any work that we cannot complete adequately within the session. We should not rush anything—if we require evidence from people, they must be given plenty of notice. The Audit Committee, of all committees, should pay attention to the fine print and detail, and should not rush things.
I appreciate the wisdom of what David Davidson is saying. We will receive a paper from the clerk about our work programme for next year. However, it would be wise for us to ensure that we can square off any activity that we undertake, rather than leaving loose ends. I am sure that we will return to this issue.
I apologise for my late arrival.
We have a full programme for the period up to May 2003. It includes consideration of the further education overview inquiry report; national health service items, such as waiting lists and ward nursing; a Scottish Environment Protection Agency briefing; a Scottish Executive landscape briefing; and briefings on local economic fora, individual learning accounts and youth justice. We may also hold an inquiry into evidence on the water board merger.
Would that pose a problem for Audit Scotland?
No—we would welcome the opportunity to share this work with the committee. The report is unusual, as it is essentially a description of how Scottish government works and of the accountability arrangements that exist. It has been produced with the co-operation and support of the Executive. Perhaps the most constructive approach would be for the committee to hear from me, along with colleagues in Audit Scotland who have worked on the report and the accountable officer who has been most involved, Peter Collings. We can give the committee a good insight into what the report contains.
Consideration of the report by the committee will be an important innovation. It will be important in ensuring greater scrutiny and openness in the new Scottish parliamentary system.