Before we move to topical questions, I wish to make a short statement. Members will have received a letter this morning from the clerk and chief executive highlighting a technical problem that was identified last week with the software that is used to make the random draw for general and portfolio questions.
The problem occurred following a software upgrade that was implemented in March this year. It means that some members with names in the second half of the alphabet may not have been picked up for inclusion in some of the draws during the intervening period. The problem has occurred in up to 12 of the 27 weeks of business since the software was upgraded. As soon as it was identified, steps were taken to rectify the situation. A manual workaround was used for the draw this week, and new software is currently being developed and tested, and will be rolled out for next week’s draw or as soon as possible afterwards. The new system will be subject to rigorous testing, and it will be possible to confirm which members’ names are included in future draws.
The situation is clearly unacceptable, and apologies are made to those members who have been disadvantaged. Please be assured that all steps have been taken to avoid this problem occurring in the future. I recognise that members will be disappointed by these events and I deeply regret that. It is important to rebuild members’ confidence so, in addition, I will be asking business managers whether they wish to send a representative to see for themselves the draw for next week’s questions.
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Time for Reflection