Also Present:

Mr John Home Robertson MSP, Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs

Mr Euan Robson MSP

Mr Jamie McGrigor, MSP

The meeting opened at 2 pm.

1. The Scottish Zone of British Fishery Limits: The Committee heard evidence from Mr Hamish Morrison, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Mr John Home Robertson MSP, Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs. After further consideration the Committee agreed to consider a draft report on this matter at their next meeting.

2. Outcome of the EU Fisheries Council: The Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs reported to the Committee on the outcome of the recent EU Fisheries Council, including –

• A proposed EU Regulation regarding closer dialogue with the fishing industry

• Suspension of Herring tariffs

• Proposed EU Regulations regarding structural assistance in the fisheries sector.

3. Subordinate Legislation: The Committee heard evidence from Mr Derek Feeley and Mr Martin Ritchie of the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department regarding the Lobsters and Crawfish (Prohibition of Fishing and Landing) (Scotland) Order 1999 (SSI 1999/88). The Committee accepted the explanation of the Order and did not wish to make any recommendations in relation to the instrument.

4. Proposed EU Regulation: The Committee considered a proposal for a Council Regulation opening a tariff quota for imports of boneless meat from bovine animals. The Committee noted this proposal and agreed to advise the European Committee of this.

5. Beef Exports: The Committee discussed a letter to the Convener from Mr David Mundell MSP, asking the Committee to investigate the French ban on British Beef. The Committee noted the contents of this letter, and agreed that clerks should bring forward a draft structure for an inquiry into wider agricultural issues.

6. Transport in Rural Areas: The Committee heard evidence from Mr John Dowie of the Scottish Executive Development Department regarding transport policy in rural areas. The Committee considered that the issue of freight transport in rural areas was of particular concern and agreed to seek further evidence on this issue. The Committee discussed an invitation from the Enterprise & Life Long Learning Committee to participate in an inquiry into differential fuel pricing and agreed that Rhoda Grant, Irene McGugan and John Munro should attend and report back to the Committee.

7. Inquiry into the impact of changing employment patterns on rural communities: The Committee considered initial written evidence from the Scottish Executive and agreed to defer further consideration of this matter until further evidence was received.

The meeting was suspended at 4.49 pm and resumed at 5.00 pm.

8. Report on the Impact of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning on the Fisheries Sector: (in private) The Committee resumed consideration of the draft report on this matter. The Report as amended was agreed by the Committee and approved for publication. The Committee agreed arrangements for the launch of the report and other administrative details.

The meeting closed at 5.25 pm.