Minutes: 09 June 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. New Vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides: Arrangements to deliver vessels 801 and 802:

The Committee took evidence on the section 23 report from—

Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development , Dermot Rhatigan, Deputy Director Manufacturing and Industries and Mo Rooney, Deputy Director Strategic Commercial Interventions, Scottish Government ;

Fran Pacitti, Director of Aviation, Maritime, Freight and Canals, Chris Wilcock, Head of Ferries Unit and Hugh Gillies, Interim Chief Executive, Transport Scotland.

3. New Vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides: Arrangements to deliver vessels 801 and 802 (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard at agenda item 2 and took further evidence from—

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland;

Angela Canning, Audit Director, Audit Scotland.

4. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee noted correspondence on the National Fraud Initiative from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, Scottish Government and the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, UK Government.

The Committee also noted the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands response to its report on the 2020/21 audit of the Crofting Commission.