Meeting of the Parliament 16 December 2015
I begin by expressing my gratitude to Rob Gibson and the other members of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee for their scrutiny of a wide range of land reform issues over the course of this session.
The committee’s scrutiny of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill has benefited significantly from its already extensive knowledge of many of the issues at its heart, and it builds on the evidence provided by groups, by individuals, by the more than 1,000 respondents to the Scottish Government’s “Consultation on the Future of Land Reform in Scotland” and by those who contributed to the extensive work of the land reform and agricultural holdings review groups—noting, not least, the tireless work of the review group members themselves. It has been a massive task, which is reflected in the detailed stage 1 report that the committee published just over a week ago.
On that, let me respond directly to the point that has been raised by Sarah Boyack in the chamber just now and yesterday. At more than 140 pages, the committee’s report provides substantial comment and recommendations, and we are now giving very serious and careful consideration to the committee’s recommendations in relation to all parts of the bill.
I very much look forward to debating the issues, and I intend to submit our response to the committee shortly, in line with the protocols agreed with the Parliament. It is a job that we want to get right rather than rush. I am keen for us to take the opportunity to listen to all the views from across the Parliament and to reflect members’ views in our response.
This is a debate on the committee’s stage 1 report, and we want to ensure that we have the right provisions in the bill, which have not been rushed, so it is important to take this opportunity to listen to all the views that are expressed in the Parliament.