I am often cheered on by the cabinet secretary.

No. I do not speak for the DPLR Committee in this debate, but when we had Mr Russell before the committee, I opened the questioning.

It is on that point. [ Interruption .]

It is good to be able to speak in this debate on the Referendums (Scotland) Bill—and I will speak about the bill, Presiding Officer.

rose—

On 17 October, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said: “this deal unlocks a transiti

Autumn ends on 22 December. Will the minister guarantee that he gives his response before then?

As you said, Presiding Officer, I speak on behalf of the committee.

Yes.

Well, he was told to balance the books. That is a fact, and it is my view that it led to the recommendation.