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At our previous meeting, we considered Allan Wilson's response concerning the relocation of Scottish Natural Heritage. We indicated that the response had already been referred to the relevant committee, but we wanted to give members the opportunity to comment on it. The Finance Committee has agreed to appoint two reporters to investigate issues relating to the relocation and to ask SNH to provide the latest estimate of the cost of moving to Inverness. Do members want to make specific points about the minister's reply?
I do not have a copy of the response with me, but I think that in the last line the minister indicated that he would treat sympathetically a number of the issues that have been raised. I would like him to address the issue of alternative employment opportunities for staff. I realise that SNH is not part of the civil service and that it is a non-departmental public body, but I feel strongly that everything possible must be done in that regard. I applaud the Scottish Executive's policy. However, when the Executive pursues a policy that has such major ramifications for people it must take exceptional steps to assist those who are that policy's victims. It is right for the minister to remove bodies from big city centres to other areas, but he must treat sympathetically the people who are affected and help them to find alternative employment.
The clerks will refer Helen Eadie's comments to the Finance Committee for consideration. The committee has appointed reporters to examine this issue.
Meeting closed at 13:18.
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