[The Convener opened the meeting at 14:06]
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 16th meeting this year of the European Committee. I have received apologies from Tavish Scott, who is at the Liberal Democrat conference—we all have a cross to bear. Bruce Crawford is involved in another meeting. Margo MacDonald is at the Audit Committee meeting, eagerly anticipating the publication of the Black report. Winnie Ewing is also at another meeting. We are joined by Fiona McLeod, who is not a member of the committee but is keen to sit in on the debate. Brian Monteith might also join us later.