Hansard

The Convener (Gillian Martin) SNP

Welcome to the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee’s 11th meeting in 2019. I remind everyone to switch off their mobile phones as they migh...

The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

I have some very brief opening comments, convener. Good morning, everyone. I thank the committee for inviting me to talk about the draft order. The aim of t...

The Convener SNP

Thank you very much.

Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green

At some point, the directive and the source regulations will change in the European Union. What are the Government’s plans for staying in regulatory alignmen...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

We are discussing that matter with UK ministers. We are awaiting clarity on what exit from the EU might look like. Of course, those of us who wish to remain ...

Mark Ruskell Green

Is there the potential for regulatory divergence from the rest of the UK in relation to the EIA regulations?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I always take the view that Scotland should do what is right for Scotland. I am in Parliament to do what is right for Scotland’s people and environment. If i...

Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP

I have a question on a related point that you may or may not be briefed on, although Mark Christie might be. Might a similar issue arise in relation to secti...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I follow Mr Stevenson’s logic. For the record, I point out that we are supportive of the NorthConnect project between Norway and either Mr Stevenson’s or Ms ...

Mark Christie (Marine Scotland)

If it is okay with the committee, I will look into that and get back to you. Off the top of my head, I am not sure whether the issue applies to section 37. I...

Joanna Dingwall (Scottish Government)

I agree with Mark Christie—we would need to look into the issue and write back to the committee.

Stewart Stevenson SNP

I am content with that, convener. I just wanted to get the issue on the record when we had the opportunity.

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

It is worth restating that the section 36 issue is a specific loophole or area where clarity is required that was identified in a review, and that is why we ...

The Convener SNP

Thank you for answering those questions, minister. We move on to agenda item 2, which is consideration of motion S5M-16387. Motion moved, That the Enviro...

The Convener SNP

Are members content for me to sign off the committee’s report on the draft order? Members indicated agreement. 09:38 Meeting suspended. 09:39 On resuming—