Rural Development Committee, 02 Oct 2001

Meeting date: Tuesday, October 2, 2001

Official Report 281KB pdf

---

“A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture”

Discussion of item 6, the agriculture inquiry, has been somewhat overtaken by events in the chamber. I am sure that members are aware that a debate is to be held tomorrow on "A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture".

In front of us are a series of choices. We have a paper from the clerk with the background and evidence that we have taken in our inquiry, outcomes, possible next steps and conclusions. Have members read the paper? If so, are they happy with it?

Members indicated agreement.

I suggest that we look at the conclusions. Four possibilities are laid in front of us. My feeling is that we should not be coming to a firm conclusion on what we have done so far. I am pleased to see that other members are nodding in agreement. We have the debate tomorrow and it would be crazy for us to come to a conclusion before then. We have also commissioned external research, which is coming to its final production stage. We should receive it before the end of this month or next month.

It would be far better for us to draw those things together in the near future, so that rather than going off at stops and starts and doing separate things, we can go forward—and I dread this word—in a co-joined fashion. Are members in broad agreement with that suggestion?

Members indicated agreement.

Good heavens.