Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

Meeting date: Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Official Report 502KB pdf

---

Petition

---

Game Bird Hunting (Licensing) (PE1615)

Item 4 is for the committee to consider correspondence from the Scottish Government in relation to a petition by Logan Steele on behalf of the Scottish raptor study group, calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to implement urgent action to introduce a state-regulated system of licensing for game bird hunting. I refer members to the papers and invite comments.

I certainly think that we should ask for an update from the Scottish Government about where it is at with this, especially in light of our previous discussions.

I agree. The cabinet secretary’s letter says:

“I am commissioning a research project to examine both the benefits and costs of large shooting estates to Scotland’s economy and biodiversity.”

In view of the fragility of rural economies and the lack of progress, however one might define it, towards 2020 biodiversity targets, it would be helpful to ask about that project. Once we have heard about how the review group and the research are developing, the committee would be in a better position to make an informed decision about whether to close the petition.

I would be happy to keep the petition open. That would not be unreasonable. We would be pleased to hear from the cabinet secretary on how she is progressing the request from the committee. I have to say, however, that I am not necessarily in favour of licensing; it would mean much more red tape and would therefore be neither necessary nor welcome. However, let us hear what the cabinet secretary has to say.

Okay. I am hearing that we should ask the Government for a detailed update and continue the petition. Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

At its next meeting, on 31 October, the committee will begin taking evidence as part of its inquiry into air quality and will consider subordinate legislation on land reform and wild fisheries.

As agreed earlier, we will now move into private session.

11:22 Meeting continued in private until 11:57.