Shetland Islands Regulated Fishery (Scotland) Order 1999 (SSI 1999/194)
We had an extensive briefing on SSI 1999/194.
We should raise the point about article 5(9), that
"appears to exclude persons who started fishing for the first time on or after 1 January 1998 from an entitlement to a licence".
Concern has been expressed that it could be in breach of the ECHR. That should be drawn to the attention of the Executive.
We should also question article 6 on tolls for fishing. It is unclear whether each person must pay a toll and also whether the organisations responsible for administering the tolls have the right to vary them with the consent of ministers.
We need to clarify those matters. No doubt we will be given a full response next week.