Official Report 539KB pdf
South Arran Marine Conservation Order 2014 (Urgent Continuation) Order 2015 (SSI 2015/303)
Wester Ross Marine Conservation Order 2015 (SSI 2015/302)
Item 2 is consideration of two negative instruments. I refer members to the papers. Does anyone wish to comment?
With regard to the Wester Ross instrument, I note how deeply disappointing it is that the Government has had to step in and take such action.
We should perhaps explore that a bit further to find out why that was necessary. We can ask the Government about it, but I understand that dredging took place on a site that is designated for a marine protected area and the Government had to take urgent action. It would be interesting to know if that is happening in other places, too.
We should welcome the fact that these pieces of secondary legislation will be put in place to protect our marine environment. As you said, convener, and as Graeme Dey mentioned, there are concerns about dredging in that case and it has been necessary to bring in a continuation order to protect the area. We should ensure that the orders go through the Parliament with all due speed and are in place as soon as is appropriate.
It sounds to me as if no member objects to that. Does the committee agree that it does not wish to make any recommendations in relation to the orders?
Members indicated agreement.
At the committee’s next meeting on 23 September, we will consider one negative instrument and—possibly based on our discussions today—take evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment on the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 Remedial Order 2014. We will also take evidence from stakeholders on marine protected areas, which might begin to answer some of the questions that were raised during item 2 today.
As previously agreed, the committee will now move into private session.
12:50 Meeting continued in private until 13:02.Previous
Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1