We will start with the ordinary business and then move on. I ask all members to ensure that their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting. This is very important, as apart from the discourtesy to witnesses and other members, they cause serious problems for the broadcasting, editorial and sound staff, since they interfere with the recording system. Members should be also aware that mobile telephones must be turned off completely and not simply left on silent mode. Otherwise telephones' vibration when calls are received will affect transmissions adversely. I ask all members to respect this instruction and turn off their mobile telephones completely for the duration of the meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 June have been circulated to members. Are they agreed? Agreed.
I now propose that we enter private session to discuss correspondence and related matters.
The joint committee went into private session at 12.33 p.m. and resumed in public session at 12.34 p.m.