Also Present: Jamie McGrigor (Items 1 and 2)

Apologies for absence were received from: Mrs Cathy Peattie

The meeting opened at 2.06 pm.

1. European Documents: The Committee took evidence from Robin Haynes of the Scottish Executive regarding European documents SP470 and SP484 proposing regulations on the registration of bovine animals and the labelling of beef and beef products.
   
   

2. Land Reform: The Committee took evidence from Mr Andy Wightman and Ms Camilla Toulmin and Dr Maurice Hankey of the Scottish Landowners’ Federation on land reform issues. Mr Alex Johnstone, Mr Alex Fergusson and Mr Jamie McGrigor all declared interests as landowners.
   
   

3. Subordinate Legislation: The Committee considered the following negative instruments:

The Dairy Produce Quotas Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SSI 2000/52)

The Sea Fishing (Enforcement of Community Conservation Measures) (Scotland) Order 2000 (SSI 2000/53)

and agreed that it did not wish to make any recommendation in relation to them.



4. Inquiry into the impact of changing employment patterns in rural Scotland: The Committee considered a consultation paper drafted by the Adviser, agreed the final objectives of the inquiry and agreed that the Convener and the Clerk would make final adjustments to the public consultation paper with a press release and list of consultees. The Committee agreed proposals for public meetings during this inquiry and agreed to bid for funds to meet the costs of these meetings. It was further agreed that the Committee should invite Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to give evidence on this inquiry on 25 April.

The meeting closed at 5.00 pm.