Rural Affairs Committee, 03 Oct 2000
Meeting date: Tuesday, October 3, 2000
Official Report
169KB pdf
Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill
Item 2 on the agenda is the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill. The bill was introduced on Friday and has been circulated; all members should have a copy.
The paper from the senior assistant clerk outlines a possible programme of evidence taking on the bill. It suggests that we call for written evidence immediately and lists a number of organisations that should be asked to respond. The idea behind asking for additional written evidence, over and above the Scottish Executive rural affairs department's consultation, is to ensure that all the consultees will have a full opportunity to comment on the bill. The list will be supplemented by a press release asking for any interested organisation to respond directly.
It was agreed last week that we should take oral evidence on 7 November and aim to agree a draft report by 14 November. Are there any comments on the outline timetable or on the list of organisations to be consulted? Given that we discussed the matter last week and agreed most things, all that I need from members today is confirmation that the list of consultees is agreed.
Members indicated agreement.
I do not wish to go on about this, but, in the Official Report last week, I said:
"I back Des McNulty's comments. We could ask the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards to organise a trip to a venue where it thinks that we will most benefit. However, it is important that we turn up as a committee."
The convener then asked:
"Do members agree to make a formal approach on that basis?"—[Official Report, Rural Affairs Committee, 26 September 2000; c 1171.]
The Official Report records that committee members indicated agreement. I am not sure where that agreement fits into our timetable.
I am slightly concerned about that. We agreed to solicit invitations on behalf of committee members, and that has been done.
So, we are going to visit as a committee. That is what the Official Report says, and that is what I understand will happen.
We will be able to discuss that when we have the invitations.
I am happy with that as long as we plan for it.
Has the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards been contacted?
Yes. We will meet its representatives later this week.
The list of consultees that was used originally by SERAD, and on which we are relying, is fairly comprehensive. This is the final opportunity for a member of the committee to make any additional suggestions about who should be involved.
As there are no additional suggestions, is the list of consultees adequate?
Members indicated agreement.
As members have no further comments on the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill, we will proceed in accordance with the paper that was discussed at last week's meeting.