Minutes: 15 May 2024

1. Declaration of interest:

 

Emma Roddick was invited to declare any relevant interests. Emma Roddick declared that she had been a Councillor of the Highland Council until May 2022.

2. UK subordinate legislation:

 

The Committee considered proposals by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating in a devolved area as set out in the following UK statutory instrument proposals—

Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Enforcement Regulations 2024

Ivory Act (Extension of Meaning Of “Ivory”) (Transitional Provision and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2024 

The Committee agreed that the provisions set out in the notifications should be included in the UK SI.

3. Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill:

 

The Committee considered the Bill at Stage 2 (Day 2).

Tim Eagle declared an interest as a farmer.

Edward Mountain declared as interest as having 140 pedigree settler cows; grows grain which is used for feed and the production of whisky; grows vegetables under contract; employs three people who are fully involved in the farming business; generates and pays tax in Scotland and is in receipt of the single farm payment, which covers less than 15% of the farm’s annual outgoings.

Richard Leonard declared his trade union memberships, particularly his membership in Unite the Union.