European and External Relations Committee, 07 Nov 2006

Meeting date: Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Official Report 294KB pdf

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Scottish Parliament European and External Relations Committee Tuesday 7 November 2006

[The Convener opened the meeting at 14:02]

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the 15th meeting this year of the European and External Relations Committee. I have received no apologies. Dennis Canavan has given me advance warning that he will have to leave the meeting to attend a meeting of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, which is considering his St Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Bill. Therefore, with the committee's indulgence, I will let him ask his questions first.

Members should be aware that our assistant clerk, Gerry McInally, will leave us at the end of next week. I am sure that the terrible turnover of clerks has something to do with the committee. It makes us wonder. Things are so bad that Gerry is moving to Australia. He has not been with the committee for long, but he has helped with the organisation of the maritime policy conference, which will take place on 4 December. I want to record my thanks for that help. I am sure that we all wish him the best of luck in beginning a new life on the other side of the world. I ask him to let us know how he gets on, although he should not feel obliged to do so.