Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

Meeting date: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Official Report 822KB pdf

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European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

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Agriculture (Transfer of Functions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

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Food and Drink, Veterinary Medicines and Residues (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

Item 3 is consideration of consent notifications for two UK statutory instruments: one on agriculture and one on food and drink, veterinary medicines and residues. The instruments are being laid in the UK Parliament under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Both SIs are categorised as category B because the transition from an EU framework to a UK framework would be a major and significant development. Do members have any comments?

There is one thing that I would like to know, although maybe no one can give me an answer. We will likely agree to the consent notifications for the SIs, but what happens if Brexit does not take place when it is supposed to and is kicked down the road for a number of months? Would our agreement to the SIs remain, or would we have to revisit the matter? It is a logical question.

I do not think that we can say, at this point. The question is somewhat hypothetical.

I got it on the record anyway. Thank you.

I will put on the record that I think that the committee should be kept updated by the Scottish Government on the regulatory powers that will be transferred by the Agriculture (Transfer of Functions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Are we therefore agreed that we will write to the Scottish Government to confirm that we are content for consent to be given to the two SIs, and to request a response from the Scottish Government on the wider policy matters that are identified in the accompanying papers?

Members indicated agreement.

The committee will now move into private session.

12:28 Meeting continued in private until 12:42.