Minutes: 14 March 2023

1. Declaration of interests:

The Convener welcomed Mercedes Villalba, attending as a substitute for Monica Lennon, and invited her to declare any relevant interests.

Mercedes Villalba said she had no relevant interests to declare.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6, 7 and 8 in private.

3. Outcomes of the 15th UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15):

The Committee took evidence from—

Lorna Slater, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Matthew Bird, Biodiversity Team Leader and Lisa McCann, Head of Biodiversity, Scottish Government.

In relation to wild salmon fishing, Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in and owner of 50% of Delfur Fishings, of Moray, a rod and line salmon fishery.

4. Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme:

The Committee took evidence from—

Lorna Slater, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Kevin Quinlan, Director, Environment and Forestry and Euan Page, Head, UK Frameworks, Scottish Government.

5. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Road Works (Reinstatement Quality Plans, Qualifications of Supervisors and Operatives and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/033)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

6. Outcomes of the 15th UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3.

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

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 4.

8. Energy Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered a draft report.

Various amendments were agreed to, and the Committee agreed to delegate to the Convener authority to finalise the report for publication.