Item 6 is consideration of a draft submission to the conveners liaison group seeking approval for the members of the Audit Committee to undertake visits to their fellow committees in London, Belfast and Cardiff. I direct members' attention to the paper and invite them to make comments.
I am quite happy with the paper. Clearly, at this stage it has to be fairly general. We have the cost of flights and so on, but we are getting into the cheaper season now that the summer is over. I would quite like to visit both Belfast and Cardiff and if by cutting costs in other ways that could be arranged, will I be allowed to?
You will notice from the paper that the cheapest flights have been chosen. In perspective, the total sum is not large and will be reduced. The point is for members of the Audit Committee who wish to visit their colleagues in the Assemblies and the UK Parliament to have the opportunity to do so. It is about contact, understanding, sharing of information and the on-going search for best practice. You can let the clerk know that you are interested in the visits.
I do not need accommodation in London. Indeed, a return rail fare to London, if booked a week in advance, is £39. Good for the Great North Eastern Railway. I am happy to do that.
I am informed that the costs as they stand include the opportunity for you to visit both the UK Parliament and the Assembly.
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