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At our previous meeting, we discussed tourism in relation to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland. The unanimous view expressed at a meeting of the lead committee on that issue—the Rural Development Committee—is that this committee should also work on the issue.
That is a worthwhile suggestion. Since the meeting of the lead committee last week, there have been significant developments. On Thursday, the Minister for Rural Development made announcements on a pre-emptive slaughter and on the fact that Scotland would be divided into different risk areas, which will mean different things for different areas. Yesterday, south of the border, there was an announcement on help for the tourism industry and associated businesses that have been affected by foot-and-mouth disease. We need to put on record as quickly as possible the actions that have been taken here. The rating issue is for us to deal with—it is not a reserved matter. We need to hear quickly from ministers on the actions that they will take to parallel the announcements made south of the border.
It is suggested that we take evidence from the minister on Tuesday afternoon.
I fully support that. We should go ahead and take evidence to try to clarify what is being done.
I believe that one of the ministers—Alasdair Morrison, I think—will be going to the United States to present the case for tourism in Scotland.
I emphasised the word "may"—the minister may be available. The clerks have done their best to ascertain potential availability. To date, we understand that he is likely to be available. The indications have been very positive. Apparently, he may be involved in a trip elsewhere the following week.
I would like to hear from the minister once he comes back from that trip, when he will have something to say.
I sense that the priority is to get him as soon as possible. I should point out that there will be an Executive debate tomorrow with the Minister for Rural Development. That will give members an opportunity to contribute. However, in addition to, and without prejudice to, that debate, we should still try to take evidence from Mr Morrison.
If the minister is going to the US for the tartan day celebrations, that is the following week. I would like him to come to the committee on the date you suggested or as soon as possible after he comes back.
We will leave it to the clerks to make the practical arrangements and hope that the minister will be able to come next week. The clerks will keep committee members informed.
Meeting continued in private until 12:38.