This search includes all content on the Scottish Parliament website, except for Votes and Motions. All Official Reports (what has been said in Parliament) and Questions and Answers are available from 1999. You can refine your search by adding and removing filters.
I would expect that, whoever the minister is, if technical and fundamental changes are being made to Scottish provisions, Scottish officials should be on the case as a matter of course.
Last year, the First Minister said in the chamber:"The mark of leadership in Scotland is to speak on the big issues of the day, but to do so honestly and consistently."—Official Report, 13 March 2003; c 19437.
However, I am well aware of the implications for livestock farmers and my officials in the Council working group are striving for a package that will protect the welfare of animals and safeguard the livestock industry in the Highlands and Islands.
A meeting took place with the chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage on 2 June to discuss the concerns that have been expressed. Today, officials discussed with SNH a package of measures that are designed to address those concerns and to ensure that the relocation is as smooth as possible.
To be honest, I do not know. Perhaps the minister or his officials know the answer to that. The committee agreed to recommend that the regulations be approved.