It's just the matter of the schedule,that is,if it is convenient of you right now.
如果你们感到方便的话,我想现在讨论一下日程安排的问题。
for fear the agents of other firms should be able to trace the kind of research they are likely to be undertaking.
他们生怕别的公司的情报人员据此摸到他们可能要从事的某项科研项目。