Finance Committee, 31 Oct 2000

Meeting date: Tuesday, October 31, 2000

Official Report 176KB pdf

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Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill

The next item is the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill. We are required to report on whether a financial resolution is needed. Having looked at the bill, I am not sure that such a resolution is required, but I do not think that we are allowed to say that.

Previously, we discussed whether the relevant committee would consider the financial memorandum. Are we still awaiting something to happen in terms of standing orders before that can take place?

Yes. The working group is still considering the issue, but we are required to take responsibility for this. Page 4 of the explanatory notes contains the briefest financial memorandum that we have received to date. I do not think that there is a great deal to be said.

The financial impact on the Scottish Administration and on local authorities is minimal. However, paragraph 23 of the explanatory notes covers the impact on local economies—the point is well made, and it is accurate. Many local economies get a lot of money from salmon fishing—they certainly used to.

My mailbag is heavy with correspondence on the effect of the bill on small local businesses. I am perturbed by the wording of paragraph 23, which says:

"The imposition of restrictions on exploitation would have negligible short term impact".

Some people think that they will virtually need to shut up shop. No one is arguing the points about the number of fish; the concern is about how the system works. However, the restrictions represent real costs to the rural community, which tend to fall on small businesses and the tourism industry. They have a major knock-on effect.

Are you suggesting that small businesses could cease trading because of measures in the bill?

I have had letters to that effect. I am not saying that that is the overall situation; I have not investigated the bill, which is a matter for members of the Rural Affairs Committee. There is no doubt, however, that there are costs to be borne.

Rhoda, as a member of the Rural Affairs Committee, do you have any particular knowledge about this?

We are considering the bill this afternoon. I think that most of the submissions received by the Rural Affairs Committee support the bill. People are already suffering and loss is being sustained in the local economy because of the lack of fish. We have to act. The effect on rural economies would be worse if we did not act because of a potential knock-on effect.

This committee cannot resolve the matter. We simply have to note that there will be a requirement for a financial resolution in relation to the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill.

Item 6 is on our inquiry into resource accounting and budgeting. As already agreed, items 6 and 7 will be held in private.

Meeting continued in private until 12:05.