Environment and Rural Development Committee, 08 Feb 2006

Meeting date: Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Official Report 213KB pdf

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Subordinate Legislation

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Older Cattle (Disposal) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/4)

I welcome members of the public, the press and committee colleagues to today's meeting. I remind everyone to put their phones on to silent mode. We do not have any apologies today—we have a full house.

We have one Scottish statutory instrument to consider under the negative procedure. The Subordinate Legislation Committee considered the regulations and made a number of comments on them; an extract of its report is included in our papers. Members will note that the Scottish Executive has acknowledged some errors and has made a commitment to make an amending instrument to correct them.

It is important to get the regulations in place soon. There is a whole issue to do with getting the market moving again. The regulations should have been more accurate in the first place. I am glad that they will be corrected soon. I hope that they get a fair wind, as they will certainly be welcome in the agricultural community.

The fact that amendments will be made subsequently means that the regulations will not be delayed—Mark Brough, the clerk, is indicating that my interpretation is correct. Your points are taken on board, Rob.

Are members content with the regulations and happy to make no recommendation to the Parliament?

Members indicated agreement.