I welcome all members of the joint committee to its first meeting. I look forward to working with them all in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation. I am confident that we will bring our combined skills, experience and enthusiasm to bear on the work ahead and make this is a highly productive committee that discharges its functions in an efficient and enlightened way.
This committee has some important work to do, not least arising from the work of the previous Joint Committee on Climate Action. I am grateful to the Chair and members of that committee, as well as to those of the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, for their work.
I will endeavour to be as fair and impartial as I can to all members and to witnesses who attend to assist in the committee's work. I believe strongly that a united approach which involves mutual respect and by which members and witnesses are given the greatest opportunity to contribute and to feel their efforts are worthwhile will yield the best results.
I propose that we now go into private session to deal with housekeeping matters. Is that agreed? Agreed.