Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (East Coast) (No 2) (Scotland) Order 2004 (SSI 2004/500)
Item 1 is subordinate legislation. The committee is asked to consider the affirmative order, the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (East Coast) (No 2) (Scotland) Order 2004 (SS1 2004/500). I welcome to the meeting the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care and Chester Woods from the Food Standards Agency Scotland. The Subordinate Legislation Committee considered the instrument at its meeting this morning and made no comment on it.
I intended only to move motion S2M-2074. I do not know whether anyone wants to ask questions.
That is almost certain. I am sure that David Davidson seeks clarification on aspects of the order.
It is kind of you to acknowledge that, convener. I want to ask the minister a couple of questions that I think are relevant to what is going on. First, from which agencies, individuals and organisations have she and the Executive taken advice in the formulation of the new and welcome policy to move to end-product testing? Secondly, what discussions has the minister had—or what discussions will she have—with the industry?
I am happy to ask Ms Woods to answer those questions. As you know, the move to end-product testing is a result of European Union legislation. I will ask Ms Woods to answer your question about contact with the industry, because there have been recent meetings.
As recently as this morning we had meetings with representatives of the Scallop Association and Mallaig and North West Fishermen's Association. As far as the entire shellfish communities goes, we have also had close liaison with the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers and other industry bodies.
I have not had an answer about from where you are taking technical advice. Will there be further meetings with the industry?
Yes. As far as end-product testing is concerned, we will take technical advice from the Fisheries Research Services marine laboratory in Aberdeen.
Given that no member wishes to debate the instrument, I invite the minister to move motion S2M-2074.
I move,
That the Health Committee recommends that the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) (East Coast) (No.2) (Scotland) Order 2004 (SSI 2004/500) be approved.
The question is, that motion S2M-2074 be agreed to. Are we agreed?
No.
There will be a division.
For
The result of the division is: For 5, Against 1, Abstentions 0.
Motion agreed to.
I thank the minister for coming.