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Prohibition of Fishing with Multiple Trawls (No 2) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2006 (SSI 2006/602)
Under agenda item 3, the committee must consider two statutory instruments, both of which are subject to the negative procedure. At last week's meeting, we asked the Executive for further information on SSI 2006/602. A response from the Minister for Environment and Rural Development was circulated on Monday. Members should note that because of drafting flaws, which the Subordinate Legislation Committee identified, the Executive has laid a new instrument, which revokes and replaces the order that is before the committee. We will consider the new order in a fortnight's time. The minister's letter will be relevant to our consideration of the new order, which has exactly the same policy intention as the order it replaces, which is revoked with effect from 22 January.
I read the minister's response with interest. I raised the matter at last week's meeting because it seemed odd that while we were talking about banning multiple gear there should be a derogation to allow three vessels to continue to use multiple gear for an indeterminate period, on an experimental basis, so that it can be ascertained whether multiple gear works for rather than against conservation—the Executive appears not to know the answer to that, which is why it has provided for a derogation. Three vessels have applied for permission to carry on using multiple gear.
We could write again to the minister and request a response in time for our consideration of the order.
I thought that the scientific investigation was needed to ascertain what period is needed for recovery from the damage that multiple gear has caused, not to ascertain whether the use of multiple gear aids conservation.
If you read what the minister says and the background to the issue, you will see that there is still confusion about that. Because we will lead Europe in legislating on multiple gear, the Executive wants to present an accurate picture to European colleagues and to demonstrate that its approach is valid. For that reason, three boats have been allowed to continue so far—more might be allowed to do so.
We can discuss that. In the meantime, are members content to make no recommendation on SSI 2006/602?
Members indicated agreement.
Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (Scotland) Regulations 2007<br />(SSI 2007/1)
I invite comments on SSI 2007/1. Are members content with the instrument and happy to make no recommendation to the Parliament?
Members indicated agreement.
We will move into private session, as we agreed at our meeting on 24 January, to discuss our approach to concluding our inquiry into the marine environment.
Meeting continued in private until 12:34.