Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 04 Oct 2000

Meeting date: Wednesday, October 4, 2000

Official Report 229KB pdf

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Rural Fuel Prices

We move to item 4 on the agenda, which is the choice of reporter on the rural fuel price inquiry. The committee must agree on a reporter to replace John Swinney at the meetings for the rural fuel price inquiry. Are there any nominations?

I was a little confused by this agenda item. It is the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee's inquiry, therefore the Rural Affairs Committee reports to us, rather than the other way round. I am not sure exactly what we are supposed to be doing.

I offer my apologies for any confusion in the note. The committee agreed that four members would meet the oil companies and the Petrol Retailers Association in private. While there are issues of commercial confidentiality, the oil companies—following our initial meeting in January—offered to be more forthcoming about the breakdown of prices. John Swinney was one of the four reporters, but he has left the committee; the agenda item is the choice of his replacement and it does not concern the link with the Rural Affairs Committee.

Is that satisfactory?

It is. A reference to the fact that the inquiry is on the differential in fuel prices would have been helpful—we would then have had a clearer understanding. I expect Alex Neil to take John's place on that inquiry.

Is that a nomination?

I think it is.

Thank you Alan. George, will you second me?

Yes.

Are there any other nominations?

What a popular guy.

Are you talking about you or me, Fergus?

Obviously you are not popular enough.

I declare myself appointed to the inquiry.

We move now into private session.

Meeting continued in private until 12:16.