Minutes: 28 March 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6 and 7 in private.

2. UK subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the REACH (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (UK statutory instrument proposals) from—

Màiri McAllan, Minister for Environment and Land Reform and Dan Merckel, Chemicals Team Leader, Scottish Government.

3. UK subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered a proposal by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating using the powers under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 in relation to the following UK statutory instrument proposals—

The REACH (Amendment) Regulations 2023

The Committee agreed that the provision set out in the notification should be included in the UK statutory instrument.

The Committee agreed to write a letter to the Scottish Government regarding its decision and to request further relevant information. The Committee also agreed to write to the UK Government to request further relevant information.

Edward Mountain indicated that, as a farmer, he at times uses chemical products that might be subject to the regulations.

4. Scotland’s electricity infrastructure: inhibitor or enabler of our energy ambitions?:

The Committee took evidence from—

Steven McMahon, Deputy Director, Networks and Head of Scotland and Jack Presley Abbott, Deputy Director, Energy Systems Management and Security, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem).

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a Partner in Delfur Farms Farming Partnership, which receives income from power lines across his land, and that he is in negotiations as to another proposed power line, which could generate further income.

5. Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Harris, Chief Executive, Simon Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Donald McCalman, Programme Director and Irene Steel, Chief Finance Officer, Circularity Scotland.

6. Scotland’s electricity infrastructure: inhibitor or enabler of our energy ambitions? (in private):

The consideration of evidence for this item was deferred to a later meeting.

7. Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 5.

The Committee agreed to consider next steps for scrutiny following the Scottish Government’s report back on outcomes of the March Gateway Review.