To receive any apologies for absence.

Any Member of the Committee or any other Member present in the meeting room, having any personal or prejudicial interest in any item before the meeting is reminded to make the appropriate oral declaration at the start of proceedings.  At meetings where the public are allowed to be in attendance and with permission speak, any Member with a prejudicial interest may also make representations, answer questions or give evidence but must then withdraw from the meeting room before the matter is discussed and before any vote is taken.