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Under agenda item 4, I seek members' agreement to take item 5, which is discussion of an approach paper, in private. That is normal practice with such papers. Are we agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
In keeping with the open and accessible workings of the committee, I seek members' agreement that the clerk will record in the minutes of proceedings, which will be posted on our website, the main decisions that the committee takes in private session with respect to witnesses, the issues on which we will seek written evidence and the provisional timetable for oral evidence-taking meetings. Following the meeting, the clerk will write to the promoter with questions and an invitation to submit further written evidence. I propose that that letter should also be posted on our website, where people who are following the bill's progress can see it.
Members indicated agreement.
Finally, I seek members' views on the way in which each of us should approach any request by other members of the Parliament, the public, objectors or organisations for an individual meeting. As members are aware, it is important that each member of the committee not only acts impartially but is seen to act impartially. In my view, outwith meetings of the committee, each of us should avoid discussing the bill with others, including members, at individual meetings. Given the importance of impartiality, I propose that all approaches to us as individual members or as a committee, including written communications, should be referred to our clerk. Are we agreed?
Members indicated agreement.
Meeting continued in private until 13:58.
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Deputy Convener