European and External Relations Committee, 10 Jun 2008

Meeting date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Official Report 201KB pdf

---

“Brussels Bulletin”

We move straight on to our regular item on the Brussels Bulletin, which I am sure members have read. Do members have any comments?

I have just one point. There is a reference in the bulletin to the new social package that the Commission expected to launch in June 2008, but which will now be launched at the beginning of the French presidency in July. Perhaps we should examine that to see whether it impinges on devolved matters. As a social package, it might touch on some of the responsibilities of this Parliament and the Government. Initially, more information could be circulated to members, then we could decide whether there is anything that we need to pursue.

I am sure that we should do that, but Irene Oldfather might have more information about it.

My understanding is that part of that social agenda is the cross-border health directive, about which I asked before. I see from Ian Duncan's report that the directive will emerge on 25 June, although the wider social agenda is due on 3 July, when we will be in recess. It is important to keep an eye on the situation.

I asked about tobacco subsidies at the previous meeting, but I do not know whether we are still waiting for information.

I note in Ian Duncan's report that an action plan for the animal health strategy from 2007 to 2013 will be published in July or September, items in which will be of substantial importance to Scotland. I come at the situation as someone who is very much in favour of animal welfare, but I recall from past committee discussions that, although I want live animals to be transported under the strictest possible regime, that could pose difficulties for some Scottish island communities. It is important to ensure that we examine the action plan, so that we do not realise only after the directive has been published all the difficulties that it will cause for Scottish farmers or island communities.

There are three points to consider. The Health and Sport Committee is taking an interest in the health directive, which is not to say that we should not as well; I certainly am. I think that the European officer is still looking into the tobacco issue. I am sure that we can ask him to pursue the animal health action plan, although I am sure that the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee will also take a strong interest in it.

There are no other comments, and, given that we agreed at the start of the meeting to take item 5 in private, I am afraid that we must ask the public to leave.

Meeting continued in private until 12:03.