Seòmar agus comataidhean

Has the Government taken the wrong approach to the model?

Part of my other question is that the provision is different from what was consulted on. Would you like to go back to the approach that was consulted on?

If there were safeguards and protections—

So, more clarity is required from the Government.

To add to what Bob Doris said, as a committee, we all agree that we have to remove these toxic chemicals. I presume that there is no doubt about that. We are seeing a practical approach to doing that, which is where there may be a slight disagreement—it is on the path to get there.

The response from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities highlights financial pressures on councils resulting from new regulations. We have to be very mindful of that, which is why it is right that we take a practical approach. That is why I am happy enough to agree to the SI as it is before us today.

Is it also worth writing to DEFRA again, stating that we asked for an impact assessment and that, whether or not it has been carried out, we have not received it? We should say that we would like to see it and ask DEFRA to respond to us in future.

I think that that negativity might continue, because I am going to talk about the model lease for environmental purposes. In all your submissions you have said that the status of the model lease is unclear where part of the activity will be agricultural. Can you expand on that?

Mr Dunlop, do you have a view?

From your point of view, then, it is just unnecessary—

Okay. Thanks.