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Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/311)<br />Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/313)
Plant Health (Potatoes) (Scotland) Order 2006 (SSI 2006/319)<br />Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/335)
Avian Influenza (Slaughter and Vaccination) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/337)<br />Sea Fishing (Restriction on Days at Sea) (Scotland) Order 2006 (SSI 2006/341)
We have six negative instruments to consider under agenda item 2. Members will note from their papers that the Subordinate Legislation Committee has considered the instruments and has submitted comments on the first four. Members have a copy of that committee's comments. I shall take the instruments in order. Does anyone have any comments on the Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006?
No.
The second instrument is the Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Are there any comments?
No.
How about the Plant Health (Potatoes) (Scotland) Order 2006?
I had a query about that one. What implications does the chemical treatment of infected potato shaws have for organic producers? It would be nice to clarify that with the minister. I had a further query, which I have solved. I was unsure what 0.1 hectare was. I was reading the committee papers on the train and, before I lost the will to live, I wondered whether that area might catch some small allotments. However, it will not, because 0.1 hectare is 1,000m2 and allotment plots are generally 50m2 to 250m2. I just wanted to impress the committee with that.
Duly impressed. That is on the record.
I have a question relating to spray drift. When we talk about genetically modified crops and non-GM crops, we talk about separation distances. Is there any way in which the instrument can influence how organic or other growers are affected by the arrival of unwanted drift?
The only reason farmers spray neighbouring crops is because there is some virulent disease in them. They would rather deal with the virulent disease than not deal with it.
Before we get too technical, I suggest that we ask the Executive for information on the points that have been raised about organics and about the application of chemicals to prevent potatoes being destroyed or infected.
I thought that I would read in the Executive note that there are reasonable checks and balances.
Rob Gibson is questioning whether there are reasonable checks and balances.
Yes, I am. It would be helpful to have a little explanation. I do not oppose what the Executive is saying and I am sure that it has drafted the order in a sensible fashion, but it is always good to know.
Dot the i's and cross the t's.
I presume that members' questions are for information and that we are not suggesting that we hold up approval of the order. Is that correct?
Does anyone have any comments on the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006?
No.
The Avian Influenza (Slaughter and Vaccination) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 are quite important as they implement a European Union directive. We welcome them.
Are there any comments on the Sea Fishing (Restriction on Days at Sea) (Scotland) Order 2006?
I understand that the order is part of European restrictions on Scottish vessels, so I am not sure what we can say about it. It has come to us as a Scottish statutory instrument, but it is outwith our control, is it not?
It is basically guidance for fishing communities. It is good that it has come to the committee because it means that it is being looked at. Do members have any detailed comments on the order?
No.
Do members agree that we have no comments on the instruments apart from those already noted, and that we are content with the instruments and happy to make no recommendation to Parliament?
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