Environment and Rural Development Committee, 29 Nov 2006

Meeting date: Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Official Report 153KB pdf

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Subordinate Legislation

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Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/530)

I suggest that we move item 3, which is consideration of subordinate legislation, to the top of the agenda. I hope that that will give Mr Finnie's officials the opportunity to find their way to the room and get their breath back.

When we considered the regulations, which are subject to the negative procedure, on 15 November, we asked the minister for further information on their effect on small rural abattoirs. We have received the minister's response, which has been circulated with the committee papers.

Do members have any comments?

I welcome the minister's letter, which provides useful clarification.

I agree. The trouble with negative instruments is that we do not get a chance to debate them. Very often their purpose is clear, but on this occasion the letter of clarification was helpful.

I draw to the attention of those outwith the Parliament the last paragraph in the letter, which refers to the processing and marketing grant scheme. Over the past five years or so, £6.2 million of that money has been invested in abattoirs to help towards

"the cost of new buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings and purchase of new equipment".

The letter points out that:

"The new scheme, under the Scottish Rural Development Programme, will open for applications in late 2007."

As a result, it seems like quite a good time for people to think about the scheme and to do some advance planning.

I am glad that we halted the process and sought clarification and reassurance from the minister. After all, we have discussed small rural abattoirs on more than one occasion.

Am I right in saying that small rural abattoirs are not necessarily the main beneficiaries of that money?

No, but they can bid for it. Indeed, the £6.2 million that I mentioned was specifically for abattoirs. The scheme certainly gives rural communities a chance to consider the opportunities that bidding for such funds might provide.

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Waste Management Licensing Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/541)

In its 42nd report of 2006, the Subordinate Legislation Committee wondered whether it was time to consolidate the regulations. Members have been circulated with extracts from the report and the Executive's lengthy response to the question. Are there any further comments?

No.

In that case, I take it that members are happy with both instruments and do not wish to make any recommendation to the Parliament.

Members indicated agreement.