Subordinate Legislation Committee, 02 Nov 1999

Meeting date: Tuesday, November 2, 1999

Official Report 83KB pdf

---

Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (West Coast) (Partial Revocation (Scotland) Order 1999 (SSI 1999/114)

A couple of matters were flagged up about this order—in particular, on the question of maps. Fergus, do you wish to raise any points?

I recollect that it was initially pointed out by way of advice to the committee that, formerly, maps had been provided in statutory instruments of this kind and that the recent flurry of instruments departed from that practice. The Executive's response is that the maps that would be annexed to the statutory instruments might not be sufficient to define the areas and that maps are supplied to fishermen. The Rural Affairs Committee may want to consult with representatives of fishing organisations on that point.

However, it might be helpful for maps to be provided, particularly for those non-specialists who are interested in these regulations. That does not seem to amount to a huge, additional expense. It is not as if we are suggesting that we follow the House of Commons practice of printing maps on vellum, which, I understand, is required of House of Commons legislation at a cost of some £30,000 extra per year. The House of Commons has voted to perpetuate that as a desirable practice, while the SNP advocates the production of paper rather than vellum maps.

Are there any other views on maps?

The maps are being provided to the fishing industry in any case. I do not think that the maps would add much to our understanding of the orders, so they would be superfluous if we were to ask for them. The cost of a few more photocopies is probably fairly low but, if it adds nothing to the process, I do not see why we need them.

Are there any other views before we decide what we shall ask the Executive to do?

It was suggested that the provision of maps might delay an order that is concerned with public health. That would be a bad thing. Nevertheless, by the time the matter gets to the lead committee, that committee should have access to a map even if we do not need one.

If that is the case, it would be best to ask for maps at the outset. I do not know whether there would be consensus on leaving the matter to the judgment and discretion of the Executive, but I think that, in principle, we would like a map to be provided where possible, bearing in mind urgency and cost. Would that satisfy you, Fergus, or would you prefer to make the provision of maps mandatory?

As a man who is well known for seeking compromise wherever it can be found, I am quite happy to agree to the compromise that you have proposed, convener. It sounds reasonable.

If that is agreed, I shall move on speedily.