European and External Relations Committee, 05 Sep 2006

Meeting date: Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Official Report 285KB pdf

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European Maritime Policy

Agenda item 4 is a proposal, which has been developed by the clerks and Scotland Europa, to encourage a joint-working approach to consideration of the European Commission's green paper on maritime policy. A paper from the clerks has been circulated. Members will note that the main proposal is for the committee to host a conference in Parliament. Monday 4 December seems to be the only viable date for that. The Scottish Executive was to have held a day conference on the same issue, but the clerks have been informed that it is unlikely to go ahead. Do members have any comments?

I hope that I have this right, but I think that this is a good paper and a sensible suggestion. I like the proposed co-operation with Scotland Europa. The whole idea sounds pretty good to me.

I like the idea of the committee being proactive on such things.

I like the idea—although, when I saw Irene Oldfather nodding her head, I was not so sure—and I think that it is a good paper. I have no problem with the suggestion.

I, too, think that this is a good paper. The European Commission's green paper on maritime policy contains a great deal that will be of interest to us in Scotland. The principle behind the green paper is to treat the oceans and seas holistically. I think that we could all sign up to that. The issue touches on tourism, sustainable development and pollution and deals with a big agenda that is very relevant to Scotland. I think that the suggestion is a good idea.

There have been suggestions about who would attend the meeting. It seems to me that it would be a good meeting to attend because it is about a pan-European issue. One of the key players in maritime policy is the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, which is expert in the matter. It might be helpful to invite the CPMR along because it contributes a lot to maritime policy Europe-wide. It is certainly tuned in to experiences of regions across Europe in relation to maritime policy. The CPMR could be a useful contributor to the debate if we have a one-day conference on maritime policy.

There are others whom I would like to see involved as well; for example, someone from the merchant marine.

If members would like to ensure that particular people are on the guest list or are at least offered the chance to attend, they can perhaps send an e-mail about that to Emma Berry or Jim Johnston.

There are certainly people in my part of the world who would like to take the opportunity to express their opinions on Forth Ports Authority's plan to allow Russian ships to transship oil in the Firth of Forth. That plan is of great interest to them and is causing considerable concern.

Do members agree to submit a bid to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to hold the event on Monday 4 December, and to delegate authority to the clerks to take forward the arrangements?

Members indicated agreement.

The date is 4 December.

Yes. It is a Monday.