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I introduce my colleagues on the committee: Gordon Jackson, Ted Brocklebank, Margaret Smith MSP and Christine May MSP. I am Tricia Marwick, the convener of the committee.
It is not simply a case of a community council, councillor, or even an MSP writing to a head teacher to say, "Your kids are chucking litter in the street."
However, if somebody is an incompetent MP—I would not suggest that there were any incompetent MSPs—no one will notice. Further, our prosperity is built on science.
Because of its Westminster background, the civil service regards MSPs as the enemy. Civil servants work for their departments, and regard other departments as the enemy, too.
I note that Adam Ingram and Robin Harper have indicated that they wish to speak. I am also aware that three MSPs who are not members of the committee but who have interests in the Aberdeen area wish to speak.
On resuming— Our next panel consists of Tricia Marwick MSP, the business manager for the Scottish National Party, and Scott Barrie MSP, the chief whip of the Labour group.