Committee
Environment and Rural Development Committee, 31 Jan 2007
31 Jan 2007 · S2 · Environment and Rural Development Committee
Item of business
Subordinate Legislation
Prohibition of Fishing with Multiple Trawls (No 2) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2006 (SSI 2006/602)
I read the minister's response with interest. I raised the matter at last week's meeting because it seemed odd that while we were talking about banning multiple gear there should be a derogation to allow three vessels to continue to use multiple gear for an indeterminate period, on an experimental basis, so that it can be ascertained whether multiple gear works for rather than against conservation—the Executive appears not to know the answer to that, which is why it has provided for a derogation. Three vessels have applied for permission to carry on using multiple gear.How long will the derogation last? How long will the vessels be allowed to carry on using multiple gear for scientific purposes? If the experiment demonstrates that multi-rigs are better for conservation, will the prohibition be lifted? The minister's letter does not answer those questions.
In the same item of business
The Convener:
Lab
Under agenda item 3, the committee must consider two statutory instruments, both of which are subject to the negative procedure. At last week's meeting, we a...
Mr Brocklebank:
Con
I read the minister's response with interest. I raised the matter at last week's meeting because it seemed odd that while we were talking about banning multi...
The Convener:
Lab
We could write again to the minister and request a response in time for our consideration of the order.
Nora Radcliffe:
LD
I thought that the scientific investigation was needed to ascertain what period is needed for recovery from the damage that multiple gear has caused, not to ...
Mr Brocklebank:
Con
If you read what the minister says and the background to the issue, you will see that there is still confusion about that. Because we will lead Europe in leg...
The Convener:
Lab
We can discuss that. In the meantime, are members content to make no recommendation on SSI 2006/602?
Members indicated agreement.