Hansard

The petitioners said that the minister had said that—we did not get evidence of that. That is my recollection and, as I said, it can be checked. However, I remember the conversation when the suggestion was made, and I was particularly concerned about the impression, if nothing else, that such a meeting had taken place at which a decision was taken to spend £X of taxpayers' money, without any record of the meeting being taken.The petitioners said that they could provide evidence of the meeting, but they have not done so, so it remains an allegation. It is a concerning one, but it will remain only an allegation unless they contact us with something. As I said, they may be able to produce evidence during the consultation, but that is a matter for them. Anyone would consider it a valid matter for the consultation if a decision was taken behind closed doors and not in a proper manner, but the petitioners would have to show that that took place. I think that we have to leave it at that. Are members agreed that we will close consideration of the petition?Members indicated agreement.