Hansard

The Convener: SNP

Item 4 is a report back to the full committee on the European Commission-funded study trip that Bruce Crawford, Phil Gallie, Dennis Canavan and I took part i...

Dennis Canavan: Ind

I found it an interesting and informative visit and I would like to give some of my general impressions.Finland is an interesting country in that it manages ...

Bruce Crawford: SNP

I, too, thank the European Commission for setting up what was a very useful trip, although it was a bit packed. By the end of it, a bit of overload was going...

Phil Gallie: Con

Dennis Canavan and Bruce Crawford have covered many of the points that I wanted to make, so I will add just one or two.One reason why we went to Finland was ...

The Convener: SNP

I will not say much because most of the issues have been covered. My overriding impression was that there was a lot that we could learn but that we should no...

Phil Gallie: Con

An important aspect of that committee is its emphasis on the long term rather than the short term.

The Convener: SNP

In my opinion, long-term thinking is something that we lack in politics in our country.My final point about what I learned is worth putting on the record bec...

Phil Gallie: Con

Will ex-members get a copy?

The Convener: SNP

Phil, I would never dream of not asking you to comment on the report before it is published. I ask Jim Johnston to make a note of that.

Irene Oldfather: Lab

I thank members for a very interesting update on their visit. I was sorry that I was not able to join you, but I had accepted a speaking engagement in Ayrshi...

The Convener: SNP

On that sombre note, are members content with the course of action that has been outlined?Members indicated agreement.