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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22869 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.

In my speeches to the Oxford Farming Conference on 6 January 2009 and the NFU Scotland National Council on 20 February 2009, I set out the Scottish Government''s vision for a future agriculture and rural policy based on the concept of Natural Resource Productivity. The leaflet was produced as a short summary of that vision, for use to support the government''s work in influencing policy development in Scotland''s interests, in particular at the European level. Officials dealing with agriculture policy, the Scotland Rural Development Programme, and food policy were involved in drafting the leaflet which was produced for me in March 2009, printed at a cost of £941.45, and put on the Scottish Government website on 8 April 2009.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22869 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.

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.

Arrangements will be agreed between the Scottish Government and the UK Government to ensure that Marine Scotland and the UK Marine Management Organisation will work effectively together when and where necessary.

The Scottish Marine Bill proposes powers for subordinate legislation to set out an appeals process with regards to decisions relating to marine licensing. The appeals process will be subject to consultation.