Official Report 274KB pdf
Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/54)<br />Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Amendment Scheme 2008<br />(SSI 2008/58)
Agricultural Processing, Marketing and<br />Co-operation Grants (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/64)<br />Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/65)
Leader Grants (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/66)
Under agenda item 3, we have five Scottish statutory instruments to consider. I understand that Peter Peacock has some concerns on SSI 2008/58.
Yes. I ask colleagues to turn to paragraph 11A(3)(c) on page 2 of the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Amendment Scheme 2008. It appears that the authorised person who will inspect claims may have the right to access "any computer" in the ownership of the crofter. From 11A(3)(f), it appears that they also will have the power to "seize" the computer. The powers are serious; people are anxious about them. We should ask the Government whether, in seeking evidence on the grant scheme, the authorised person will be able to seize someone's computer and have access to the entirety of what is stored on it. We should get that clarification before we sign off the SSI. That would be helpful.
Time remains to us in our consideration of SSI 2008/58. We will try to get the information that Peter Peacock has requested. We can set aside the instrument for today.
Thank you, convener.
I have a comment on the Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/54). The Subordinate Legislation Committee said that it
The Subordinate Legislation Committee raised its concerns with the Government, but notes that it was only "partially satisfied" with the response. We have time in which to seek further clarification from the Subordinate Legislation Committee or the Government on the matter.
If we are to value the work of the Subordinate Legislation Committee—obviously, we must, given its important role—it is only reasonable that we should seek such clarification. I am happy to accept the view of other members, however.
In those circumstances, do we agree not to make any recommendations on SSIs 2008/64, 2008/65 and 2008/66?
On SSI 2008/54 and SSI 2008/58, do we agree to continue consideration of the instruments at a future meeting once we have received information from the relevant sources?
Meeting continued in private until 12:36.
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