Seòmar agus comataidhean

I take silence as acquiescence and I congratulate Stephen Kerr on his appointment. I hand over to him to convene the rest of the meeting. Thank you, Stephen, and good luck.

The committee’s next task is to choose a convener. The procedure is explained in paper 2. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party are eligible for nomination as convener. I ask for a nominee from that party.

Thank you, Oliver. I was just about to move on—you took your time in responding.

Stephen Kerr was chosen as convener.

Welcome to first meeting in session 6 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. I am the member for Glasgow Cathcart, and, as the oldest member of the committee, I have the pleasure of convening the meeting for the first two items of business. I welcome all members and I look forward to working with them over the session.

I remind everyone to switch mobile phones to silent. No apologies have been received.

Under agenda item 1, each of us should declare any interests that are relevant to the committee’s work. Background information is provided in paper 1, which is in members’ packs. I have no relevant interests to declare. I ask each member in turn to declare any interests.