I moved an amendment stipulating that the Committee would agree to meet on the 18th to hear from departmental officials, if the Minister is present. So, he can decide whether he wants to be here for the meeting on the 18th, the meeting on the 31st, or both.
Speaking personally, I do not intend to travel here to attend a technical briefing on as political an issue as this, if the Minister is not here. My amendment is therefore intended to ensure that we hold a meeting on the 18th with departmental officials, if the Minister is present.