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We all agree on the importance of protecting native bee populations, but I would have liked a bit more clarity in the policy objectives. They state:

“this instrument is considered to be a more effective tool”.

I would like a bit more understanding of the reasoning behind that. They also reference enforcement by “authorised persons”. I would like a bit more detail on who those authorised persons might be.

Can you explain the blueprint a bit more? There has been the idea of a one-stop shop. Will that still be possible or will applications have to be multilayered?

Good morning. SEPA is obviously the key regulator here. You have previously stated that SEPA is fully engaged with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the Griggs review recommendations. How would you characterise your working relationship with SEPA?

We have talked a lot about the workers involved in the salmon industry, but, when you look at the supply chain, you will see that there are much wider implications for those who supply the feed and those involved in boat building. For example, in my constituency, there is a factory that makes boxes for the salmon industry. When you look at the totality of the supply industry in rural areas, you will see how important it is.

One issue is hauliers, which form a big part of the supply chain. Does the Government recognise the need for reliable transport connectivity to get the product to market as well as to support the areas in which the salmon industry operates?

Yes.

Okay. Thank you.

Can you clarify the timescale?

Does the panel have any more information on the conditions in kennels? We have heard evidence that significant numbers of dogs are being kept and trained in Scotland for racing in England. Will you expand on the kennelling side?

But you would not have any problem with any kind of regulations as suggested by the SAWC.

My questions are about processing capacity and are directed to Kate Rowell initially. I noted in our papers that 50 per cent of abattoirs in Scotland closed between 1970 and 2000. What does that mean for the business resilience of livestock producers, especially in rural and island areas, and how can we better support short supply chains, bearing in mind the value of local food production and the end result: consumers using local food?