Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22873 on 11 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Government supports any scheme or initiative that enables consumers to make a more informed choice about the food they purchase.

Full, detailed arrangements in relation to Marine Scotland are being worked up, as part of the transition process during the current operating year. However, as part of Scottish Government, Marine Scotland is accountable, through ministers, to the Scottish Parliament. It will produce an annual report and a strategic plan and there will be arrangements for appropriate engagement with stakeholders. Generally, Marine Scotland will operate in a spirit of openness and transparency, subject to the need for uninhibited exchanges of views and advice to assist in the formulation and development of policy.

In the spirit of such arrangements, we have already published a Strategy Statement for 2009, setting out the planned initial programme of work and background to the establishment of Marine Scotland. It can be accessed on the Scottish Government website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/marinescotland2009strategystatement.

The Marine (Scotland) Bill was submitted to the Scottish Parliament on 29 April 2009. It does not include provisions for a coastal protection zone.

Marine Scotland, as part of the Scottish Government, operates in accordance with the requirements of the freedom of information (FOI) legislation and fully supports transparency and openness. In line with our Six Principles of FOI we publish information proactively wherever possible. In relation to advice given to ministers, any decision to publish proactively or to release in response to a request for information, will be taken on a case-by-case basis. In such cases full consideration is given to the public interest in release as well as the public interest in the need to allow for the uninhibited exchange of views and advice between Ministers and officials so as to assist and protect the formulation or development of policy.

The Scottish Government is encouraged to note that more consumers are now considering animal welfare issues when making purchasing decisions.

Membership of an Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) is open to commercial fishermen who operate in the IFG area. An IFG must liaise with all relevant stakeholders, such as recreational sea anglers and conservation groups, as it develops its management plan. Where locally appropriate we would expect these interests to be included formally within the IFG''s Advisory Group, which exists to provide expert advice to the IFG and to provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure robust management plans that accord with wider environmental, social, economic and management objectives.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22772 on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

It is for the director and senior management team of Marine Scotland to manage its overall budget, including across the range of its functions, in the light of demands, priorities and other circumstances.

No appointments to the Science Advisory Board have yet been made.

The Marine (Scotland) Bill includes proposed provisions for the delegation of regional marine planning to a lead authority or a group of nominated stakeholders. The delegates will be referred to as Marine Planning Partnerships.

A Marine Planning Partnership will be responsible for marine planning and integrated coastal zone management in a marine region which will involve consultation and interaction with coastal communities.