Framework Guidance on Preparing a National Park Plan (SE/2004/98)
Two issues are raised in respect of the guidance. I gather that the Scottish Executive is confused about our first question, which is why there is no indication in the guidance that it is a draft and that it is subject to a form of parliamentary procedure under its parent act. Our legal advice is that that should be made clear. The second point that we should raise is that it might also be useful, following the Scottish statutory instrument precedent, to record in the text of the draft guidance the fact that the statutory procedure has been complied with in respect of the guidance.
Given that it is the first of the draft guidelines that we—or anyone—has seen, I suggest that we do so formally in order to get our comments on the record and make the Executive aware of our views on the matter.
Are we agreed?
The draft guidance has come to us because it falls within this committee's remit. Has it also gone to the Environment and Rural Development Committee so that any policy issues can be considered?
Yes, it has.
That is fine.