1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

Before moving to agenda item 1 the Convener asked Collette Stevenson if she had any relevant interests to declare.  Collette Stevenson declared an interest that she is a serving Councillor.

2. Cross-Party Groups:

The Committee considered applications for recognition from 4 Cross-Party Groups, and took evidence from—

Jamie Halcro Johnston, Convener of the proposed CPG on Islands, Scottish Parliament;

and then from—

Douglas Lumsden, Convener of the proposed CPG on Rugby Development in Scotland, Scottish Parliament;

and then from—

Graham Simpson, Convener of the proposed CPG on Sustainable Transport , Scottish Parliament;

and then from—

Paul McLennan, Co-Convener of the proposed CPG on Sustainable Uplands Management, Scottish Parliament.

3. Cross-Party Group - approval:

The Committee agreed to accord recognition to the proposed Cross-Party Groups on Islands, Rugby Development in Scotland, Sustainable Transport and Sustainable Uplands Management.

4. Future parliamentary procedures and practices (In Private):

The Committee considered its approach to the inquiry.

5. Standing Order Rule Changes (In Private):

The Committee agreed a draft report and draft Standing Order Rule changes.