The phrase 'flogging a dead horse' comes to mind. If you don't have enough evidence of impropriety in the entire minutes of the meeting sans the attendees, then you're really stretching things...

As far as the privacy issue is concerned, it's a slightly worrying precedent but as a general principle meetings which are part of the legislative process should be as transparent as possible.

Methinks you protest too much - perhaps you are a bit worried that you're going to get discovered as a naughty beer protectionist there Charlie?

:)