They will also be able to advise you in general terms about the probable areas of questioning. When taking evidence from groups or organisations, committees will sometimes want to hear from a particular person but will often leave it to you to decide who to send. We generally advise sending no more than two or three people. You should supply full names and job titles of witnesses to the Clerk at least a week in advance. If you want to make last minute changes or additions, this needs to be discussed with the Clerk.
Separate guidance is available on the payment of travel and other expenses to witnesses.
The circumstances in which expenses can be paid should be discussed in advance with the Clerk. Evidence is normally heard in public. Occasionally witnesses may have a particular reason for wanting to give evidence in private such as commercial sensitivity or the personal nature of the information. If you are concerned about giving evidence in public, you should discuss this with the Clerk as soon as you receive the invitation to appear. All public meetings are sound recorded and broadcast within the Parliamentary complex.