Present:
 

Mr Alex Johnstone (Convener)	Mr Alex Fergusson
Mrs Rhoda Grant	Mr Richard Lochhead
Dr Lewis MacDonald	Mrs Irene McGugan
Mr Alasdair Morgan	Mr John Munro
Dr Elaine Murray	Mr Mike Rumbles

Apologies: Mrs Cathy Peattie

The meeting opened at 2.02 pm.
 
 

1.  Impacts of the current ban on shellfishing

The Committee heard evidence from : -

Dr John Davies, Fisheries Research Services (the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen)
Mr John Hermse, Scallop Dredging Association
Mr John MacAlister, Scottish Fishermen's Federation
Mr Doug MacLeod, Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers
Mr Bob Stubbs, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Mr Neil Fleming, Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department

The Committee agreed that the Clerk should prepare a draft report on the matter for further consideration.

The meeting was suspended at 4.06 pm and resumed at 4.11 pm.
 
 

2.  Plant Health (Amendment) (Scotland) Order 1999 SSI 1999/22

The Committee heard evidence from Mr Charlie Greenslade of the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department. The Committee accepted the explanation of the Order and agreed that it need not be drawn to the attention of the Parliament. 
 
 

3.  Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 SSI 1999/43

The Committee noted explanatory reports and agreed that no comment on this Order be made to the Transport and Environment Committee.

The meeting closed at 4.34 pm.