Audit Committee, 20 Jun 2007

Meeting date: Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Official Report 91KB pdf

---

Work Programme

Agenda item 4 is our approach to developing a work programme. At our next meeting, on 27 June, the Auditor General for Scotland will brief the committee on Audit Scotland's work programme and on his report, "Edinburgh transport projects review", which was published this morning.

I refer members to the clerk's note. We suggest that, to finalise our approach to developing a work programme, we hold an away day, which I suspect will be a not-very-far-away day—we will probably hold a session here at Holyrood. What are members' views?

Could we have notice as soon as possible of the date of the away day? I presume that it will be towards the end of the recess.

Yes. That is what we have in mind.

The date could be towards the end of the recess or, because the committee meets fortnightly, we could hold the session for a half day in the first committee slot after the recess.

Will the clerk liaise with us?

We will let members know as soon as possible.

The clerk's second suggestion may be preferable.

Will we be given options of dates that are free, from which the best date can be picked?

Yes. We should try to give members options.

Perhaps members could let the clerks know their holiday dates, if they are going away. That would help clerks to determine dates that do not suit members.

Yes—that would help. We all know that a recess is not a holiday, no matter what the perceptions in some places may be. [Interruption.] Here is the deputy convener.

My apologies, convener. I was delayed by traffic.

Do not worry—the democratic process delivered for you in your absence.

That was the easiest election that I have ever fought.

You are not the only one who has been delayed by the rain. We are on agenda item 4, so I will give you an opportunity to declare any interests in a moment.

I ask colleagues to e-mail the clerk details of any holiday plans for the summer and into September. We will circulate by e-mail to members options for an away day at which we would use the legacy paper and other information to finalise our work programme. Is that okay?

Members indicated agreement.

I give Murdo Fraser the opportunity to declare his interests.

I apologise again for my tardy arrival, which was due entirely to the adverse weather conditions and traffic. I have two interests that may be relevant to the committee's work. First, I am a member of the Law Society of Scotland, although I am not currently a practising solicitor. Secondly, I am a member of the board of management of Dundee University Students Association.

Thank you.

We have no more business, so that concludes the meeting. I remind members that the committee will meet next week, on 27 June. We have not intimated the start time, but I think that it is 10:30 again.

We are looking at 10, although the time has to be confirmed.

The clerk is already putting the squeeze on me, at arm's length. I ask members to note the start time. Thank you very much.

Meeting closed at 10:39.