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We could do an inquiry just on that topic, which I find fascinating. However, I have gone slightly off topic, so I will leave it there.

Thank you, it is helpful to understand that.

I will ask a slightly different question, although it also looks forward. One of the things that we have learned about the growth deals is how they have been driven by regional working and regional economic partnerships. There have been some interesting developments south of the border, such as the rise of metro regions, which is seen as a major economic driver. For example, the creation of a metro region in Manchester has driven economic growth in a way that puts some Scottish cities to shame. What is the Scottish Government’s thinking around the growth of regions as drivers for economic progress?

Throughout this inquiry, we have heard a lot from different communities and stakeholders across Scotland. Generally, there has been a very positive message about city deals, what they have been able to deliver, the added value that they bring and all the projects that have come on board.

One of the things that the committee is interested in looking at is what happens next. Kevin Stewart and Gordon MacDonald both asked you about conversations that you have had with the UK Government. You said to Gordon that a lot of it “hangs on the UK Government’s spending review,” which we understand. However, in terms of planning ahead, has the Scottish Government had conversations with partners about the sort of projects that might form part of a phase 2 of the city deals? If you are in a discussion with the UK Government, being able to demonstrate that there is a pipeline of projects that might form part of round 2 of the city deals might be a useful argument to present.

That was a very interesting answer. On the question of structures, a major factor in delivering the strategy successfully south of the border has been the metro mayors, who have the authority to drive it forward. Do our structures allow the political leadership at the local level to make that happen?

To the relief of my colleagues, I will not mention flocks of sheep or combine harvesters today.

I place on record the fact that we got an eight-page response from you and that it was issued within 48 hours of your appearance at the committee last week and responded to points that were raised then. That excellent work is an exemplar of how ministers should behave.

Good morning, Mr Bruce. It is nice to see you. I will follow on from Lorna Slater’s line of questioning.

As a committee, we are interested in looking at potential consolidation across the whole landscape. There are too many commissioners, to put it bluntly. Are there economies that could be pursued? You have already addressed that question in relation to the Standards Commission for Scotland, but I want to probe that a little further. For complaints against parliamentarians, there is a check, because such complaints go to the SPPA Committee, which makes the final determination in relation to sanction. Are you saying that it would be prejudicial to complainers to have the Standards Commission and your office put together as one body?

Let me ask you a slightly different question, because the other area that the committee is interested in is the creation of new SPCB-supported bodies. Do you have any thoughts on what criteria should be prioritised when we consider that matter?

Yes, and I should say that I have found you nothing but professional and courteous in all your dealings with me. I appreciate that.

That is all right. We are interested to hear your thoughts.

I have one more question, which is a little off topic, but I will ask it because you are here. It is about how the Standards Commission views how councillors function. I have heard examples of councillors who are in opposition being told by council officers that political criticism that they make of the council is a breach of the code of conduct. It seems to me that that is a stifling of legitimate political debate. In effect, they are bullied into not voicing public criticism of the council by officers telling them that they will be reported to the Standards Commission. I will not do so in public, but I could give you examples of that.

Given that you are the convener of the Standards Commission, can you reassure me that, in such circumstances, councillors would not be found guilty of a breach of the code of conduct for making a legitimate political criticism of council decisions?

Yes. Thank you for your forbearance, convener.