Education, Culture and Sport Committee, 18 Sep 2001

Meeting date: Tuesday, September 18, 2001

Official Report 296KB pdf

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Item in Private

The first item on the agenda is to consider whether to discuss item 7 in private. There is a difficulty, because the adviser feels that her position might be slightly compromised if she gives information and advice to the committee in public. I am interested to hear members' views.

I am, as you know from previous discussions, reluctant to discuss in private items other than draft reports or matters that are of such sensitivity that discussing them publicly would damage individuals. I do not think that there is any strong reason to discuss the item in private. I accept that the adviser is giving opinions, but that is what advisers are for. We should proceed with this important inquiry, to which we are all deeply committed, in the clear light of day.

I agree.

Is it therefore agreed that we will discuss item 7 in public?

Members indicated agreement.