Seòmar agus comataidhean

So, are you saying that the first thing that a levy should be spent on is putting in place the infrastructure for businesses?

Thanks for that, Sarah. Gary Curley—as briefly as possible.

I remind members that we previously agreed to take item 5 in private.

Minister, I would be interested in hearing what the scope of the SSPCA’s new powers would be under the proposals and what evidence has satisfied you that that expansion would support enforcement with regard to wildlife crime.

Thank you, minister.

I have a supplementary question that goes back to animal welfare, because we have leapt ahead in our order of questions. Thank you for what you have been saying. It is clear that animal welfare organisations, no matter the language used, are saying that cable restraints cause the same threat to animal welfare as do snares. We have heard evidence from Scottish Badgers and you have mentioned other bodies. How can we hold our heads up regarding Scotland’s animal welfare standards if we allow those indiscriminate devices to be used? They cause devastating injuries and extreme stress to any animal, from otters to badgers and, as you mentioned, pets. Are you able to confirm for the record today that humane cable restraints are, in fact, the same as snares, with the same potential risks to animal welfare? Can you also confirm the Government’s intention to follow Wales in implementing a full ban?

I am really delighted that you are seeking to mitigate impacts on ground-nesting birds. The committee has also heard concerns about the impact that the date of the muirburn season can have on bird breeding. The dates set out in the draft bill would allow muirburn to take place up to 15 April, by which time the bird breeding season will already have begun because the breeding season is shifting earlier each year due to climate change. Can you confirm that the spring end of the muirburn season will be set to either 15 or 31 March, on a precautionary basis, to take account of the need to protect birds from nest destruction?

I have a clarifying question. Fergus Murray, when you say that you want to see the levy introduced as quickly as possible, do you believe that there is no need for an 18-month lead time or do you still think that it is necessary?

Thanks for that. Morag Johnston and Jamie Baker both talked about the idea of having software that may be collaborated on across Scotland. Is that being discussed? Is that something that is likely to happen?

Thanks very much. I will bring in Pam Gosal.

You were going to send something to us in response to Pam Gosal’s question.

We will continue to take evidence on the bill at our next meeting, when we expect to hear from representatives of the tourism industry.

We previously agreed to take the next items in private so, as that was the final public item on our agenda for today, I now close the public part of the meeting.